Head of Planning - Defence MA&T UK

Head of Planning - Defence MA&T UK, Bristol: An Opportunity for Strategic Leadership

This Head of Planning position within Defence UK Manufacturing, Assembly & Test (MA&T) in Bristol presents a compelling opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact on a critical sector. If you are driven by strategic oversight, operational excellence, and fostering team growth, this role offers a unique platform for career advancement within a globally recognized organization.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Influence: As Head of Planning, you will be instrumental in shaping production and assembly strategies, directly influencing current and future business and customer needs. This is a role where your vision and planning expertise will be highly valued and have tangible outcomes.
• Leadership & Development: This position offers the chance to lead and mentor a planning and control function. You'll be empowered to champion professional development within your team and drive a culture of continuous improvement, particularly through lean methodologies.
• Impactful Role: Your responsibilities will span across integrating planning activities, ensuring demand and capacity alignment, and driving key performance indicators (KPIs) that directly impact operational performance. You will be at the forefront of ensuring customer on-time delivery and optimizing inventory.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Success in this role hinges on your ability to effectively interface with diverse teams, including business support, customer teams, programme, and services. This offers invaluable experience in stakeholder management and driving alignment across an organization.
• Continuous Learning & Growth: The organization is committed to a digital-first culture that invests in its employees. You will benefit from a platform for continuous learning, access to a wide array of opportunities, and support for your career growth.
• Competitive Package: Beyond the intrinsic rewards of the role, the position offers a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, employee support assistance, and employee discounts, contributing to a comprehensive benefits package.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Manufacturing & MRO Expertise: A strong working knowledge of manufacturing, engine assembly, and/or Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) processes is highly advantageous. Candidates with this background will be well-positioned to hit the ground running and leverage their existing experience.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes the utilization of systems like SAP, Business Warehouse, and Tableau to translate data into actionable insights. A keen interest in digital operations and the ability to spot opportunities for business and process improvement through data analysis are crucial.
• Change Management & Influence: Demonstrating a strong ability to personally deliver and engage diverse teams in performance improvement initiatives is key. You will need to be adept at spotting opportunities for change and driving them forward with pace and conviction.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The ability to influence a diverse range of stakeholders is paramount. Building strong relationships and effectively communicating with various internal teams and potentially external partners will be essential for success.
• Strategic Forecasting & Risk Management: You will be involved in developing medium and long-term strategies, including scenario planning and risk assessment. This requires a forward-thinking mindset and the ability to provide clear recommendations to leadership.
• Career Progression: While the level and salary are dependent on experience, this role offers a clear path for career progression within Defence MA&T and the wider organization, particularly for those demonstrating strong leadership and strategic capabilities.

This Head of Planning role is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and skilled professional to contribute to a vital industry, foster a high-performing team, and drive significant operational improvements. If you are ready to take on a leadership challenge with a company that values your growth and development, this position warrants serious consideration for your career trajectory.