Lead Production Planner

Lead Production Planner

Full-Time, Permanent

Westhill, Aberdeen

Please note that this role requires security checks.

As Lead Production Planner, you will play a pivotal role in optimising production performance, leading the planning team to balance customer demand, resource capacity and operational priorities while delivering exceptional service and on-time results.

• Lead the UK Production Planning team, driving planning excellence, optimising scheduling performance and ensuring alignment across sites.
• Act as the key escalation point for planning-related challenges, resolving issues quickly to minimise disruption and maintain operational continuity.
• Take ownership of planning KPIs, continuously improving delivery performance, planning effectiveness and operational maturity.
• Develop and maintain robust production schedules, using MRP outputs to balance demand, capacity and business priorities.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Procurement, Engineering and other key stakeholders to ensure schedule adherence, manage risks and support efficient delivery.
• Monitor production performance, identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve workflow, efficiency and on-time delivery.
• Analyse planning and operational data to improve forecast accuracy, optimise resource utilisation and strengthen capacity planning capabilities.
• Create, release and manage complex works orders, ensuring high levels of accuracy, traceability and planning integrity.
• Maintain and continuously improve MRP master data, ensuring planning systems remain reliable, accurate and fit for purpose.
• Produce meaningful capacity analysis and KPI reporting, providing insights that support informed operational and strategic decision‑making.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning processes, standardise ways of working and drive operational performance.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external customers, providing timely updates and professional support.
• Coach, mentor and develop planners and operational colleagues, fostering capability, consistency and a culture of continuous improvement.

• Extensive experience in production planning within a complex manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of delivering operational and customer‑focused results.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends and translate insights into actionable plans.
• Expert knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, including production planning, master data management and process optimisation.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or equivalent analytical tools, with experience in forecasting, capacity planning and scenario modelling.
• Proven leadership experience, with the ability to develop high‑performing teams, drive accountability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production constraints, capacity planning and end‑to‑end supply chain processes.
• Ability to balance strategic planning objectives with day‑to‑day operational priorities in a fast‑paced and changing environment.
• A proactive and solutions‑focused approach, with the ability to identify risks, resolve complex challenges and drive positive outcomes.
• Passion for continuous improvement, with experience implementing initiatives that enhance planning performance, efficiency and delivery reliability.
• Strong organisational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits…