Production Planning Lead

Role Information

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Job Title: Production Planning Lead

Salary: Up to £38,000 DOE

Location: Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales

• 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 must 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 long-term capacity planning.
• Opportunities for progression into senior operations, supply chain or planning leadership.
• Involvement in driving system, process and digital transformation initiatives.