Operations Planning Manager

Our client is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, specialising in high-value, low-volume production for scientific and industrial applications. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and precision, the company is dedicated to delivering customer-centric solutions through operational excellence and continuous improvement. They are currently seeking an Operations Planning Manager to lead the development and execution of the Master Production Schedule and overall Operations Plan. This critical role ensures optimal resource and material alignment, conflict-free scheduling, and timely production output. The successful candidate will lead the operations planning team and collaborate across functions to meet order requirements with accuracy and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and deliver the Master Production Schedule and Operations Plan to fulfil sales orderbook demands.
• Oversee Make to Stock and Make to Order planning across short, medium, and long-term horizons.
• Lead rough-cut capacity planning and ensure balanced job allocation to Production and Test functions.
• Deliver production job packs and track progress; escalate constraints to enable informed decision-making.
• Manage and develop the Operations Planning team, driving high performance and cross-functional collaboration.
• Champion best practices in planning systems, policies, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ensure effective use of the ERP system and integrate planning with material and resource availability.
• Provide accurate reports, KPIs, and analysis, including participation in weekly forecast meetings and month-end reviews.
• Promote a culture aligned with company values: Customer Focused, Quality, Teamwork, Innovation, Flexibility, Passion, and Trust.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–7 years in production planning within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in Make to Order and Make to Stock operations.
• Hands-on ERP usage (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Arigo) and visual manufacturing systems.
• Track record in lean manufacturing, process optimisation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership and team development experience.
• Proficient in production scheduling, project planning, and critical path analysis.
• Strategic thinker with excellent data analysis and risk management skills.
• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Detail-oriented, process-driven, and customer-focused mindset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and planning tools.