Head of Planning in Bristol

A leading advanced manufacturing and technology business is seeking an experienced Head of Planning to join its operations leadership team on a permanent basis. This is a senior, strategic role where you will act as the functional lead for Planning, shaping and continuously improving planning processes and systems to support sustainable business growth.

You will take ownership of the organisation’s Sales, Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) process, lead production scheduling and capacity planning, and ensure effective integration of new product introductions across internal functions and the supply base. You will also play a key role in developing and leading a high-performing planning team, supporting performance management, succession planning and professional development.

As a member of the Operations Management Team, you will contribute directly to the execution of the wider business strategy and help drive continuous improvement across the organisation.

• Contribute to business strategy and the annual budget process, developing and delivering planning strategies to meet delivery and operational objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day planning activities, ensuring robust and detailed production schedules and a reliable Master Production Schedule (MPS).
• Lead capacity planning across labour, equipment, tools and materials, identifying constraints and ensuring readiness for new product introductions.
• Analyse demand variation, apply advanced forecasting techniques and support the wider supply chain leadership team with demand planning and inventory optimisation.
• Manage inventory policies and levels for raw materials, work-in-progress and finished goods to ensure material availability and service performance.
• Lead planning improvement initiatives using Lean and continuous improvement methodologies to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure high levels of data integrity within ERP and MRP systems and drive improvements in planning tools, systems and digital adoption.
• Lead, mentor and develop the planning team, creating clear development, succession and capability plans and forecasting future labour requirements.
• Act as the senior planning interface with Sales, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Import/Export and Shipping teams to ensure aligned and executable plans.
• Proactively identify risks such as material shortages or capacity constraints and implement mitigation plans to protect delivery performance.

• Degree, apprenticeship or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline such as Supply Chain, Engineering or Operations.
• Professional qualifications such as APICS CPIM / CSCP and/or Lean or Continuous Improvement certifications are desirable.

• Strong customer-focused and commercially aware approach to problem solving.
• In-depth knowledge of MRP II principles, ERP and MES systems (such as SAP) and modern supply planning methodologies.
• Advanced data analysis capability and strong Excel skills.
• Proven experience of leading and developing planning or production control teams.
• Highly developed analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to interpret complex operational data.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to monitor progress and adapt plans as requirements change.
• Effective collaborator who contributes positively at senior leadership and management team level.
• Experience of implementing business processes and driving change to deliver competitive advantage and operational improvement.

This role sits within a highly technical, advanced manufacturing environment supporting customers in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology, advanced materials and next-generation electronics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence strategy, lead significant operational improvement initiatives and build a strong, future-focused planning function.

The role offers a competitive salary, structured career development, a strong focus on work–life balance, 25 days’ annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, defined contribution pension and a flexible benefits package.

This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of our client by a recruitment partner. All applications will be considered on merit and in line with our client’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.