Production Planning Lead

Role Information

• Job Title - Production Planning Lead
• Salary - Up to £38,000 DOE
• Based - Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales

The Production Planning Lead is responsible for leading and coordinating all production planning, capacity management and material control activities to ensure efficient and effective delivery of operational and project objectives.

The role drives the optimisation of ERP/MRP systems, planning processes and data integrity, providing leadership and direction to the planning function while ensuring alignment across production, supply chain and engineering to achieve on‑time, cost‑effective delivery.

• Lead the development and execution of capacity planning strategies, ensuring optimal utilisation of resources and alignment with production demands and maintenance cycles.
• Own and drive material planning, inventory management and stock control through ERP/MRP systems to meet customer and project requirements.
• Ensure full integration of capacity and material planning within ERP/MRP systems to optimise delivery performance, efficiency and cost.
• Provide leadership, guidance and support to Production Planners, ensuring consistency, accuracy and best practice across the planning function.
• Own data integrity within the ERP system (IFS), ensuring accurate master data, timely MRP execution and resolution of system and stock issues.
• Oversee project loading into ERP systems, ensuring accurate setup of Master Parts, BOMs and key planning data following design release.
• Control the timely release of projects to planning, procurement and production, ensuring alignment with delivery schedules.
• Govern change management within MRP systems, ensuring all amendments are controlled, traceable and reflect latest design intent.
• Ensure accurate linking of shop orders and parent orders to enable robust cost tracking and financial visibility.
• Monitor planning performance, proactively identifying risks, constraints and deviations, and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across planning systems, processes and methodologies (Lean, 5S, digital optimisation).
• Provide planning expertise and input into bids, forecasting and long‑term capacity planning.
• Ensure effective project closure processes, including material issuing, system accuracy and cost roll‑up for finance and project teams.
• Act as the subject matter expert for ERP/MRP systems, delivering training, guidance and support to stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to align planning with operational priorities and business.

• Significant experience within a production planning, manufacturing engineering or operations planning environment.
• Proven experience in leading or coordinating planning activities within a production, assembly or vehicle build environment.
• Strong track record of using ERP/MRP systems to manage capacity, materials and production flow.
• Experience in driving improvements in planning processes, systems or data accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and coordinate across multiple functions.

• Advanced experience in production or factory planning roles.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and end‑to‑end planning processes.
• High level of IT proficiency, including Excel and ERP platforms.
• In‑depth understanding of capacity planning, inventory management and production flow optimisation.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work accurately under pressure.

• Onsite working.
• Candidates will need to be able to obtain BPSS clearance.

• Opportunity to lead and shape the production planning function within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Increased ownership and influence over end‑to‑end planning, delivery and operational performance.
• Development of leadership, strategic planning and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Exposure to business‑critical decision‑making and…