At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning function to ensure timely delivery of propeller products and services.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This role is for a temporary maternity cover for the Planning Leader at Dowty. As the Planning Leader – Dowty Propellers, you will own and lead the planning function to ensure safe, high-quality, on-time delivery of propeller products and services to global customers. You will manage a team of planners, develop robust production and materials plans, and drive data accuracy and process discipline in our planning systems. Working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Program teams, you will balance demand and capacity, optimize inventory, and proactively manage risks and constraints to achieve core business objectives in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the planning function for the site/business, including production planning, materials planning, and capacity planning.
- Develop and deploy planning strategies that support OEM and aftermarket demand, new program introductions, and site capacity constraints.
- Manage, mentor, and develop the planning team, setting clear goals, priorities, and development plans.
- Represent Planning in key forums, including SIOP/IBP, program reviews, customer reviews, and daily/weekly operations reviews.
Demand, Production & Materials Planning
- Translate demand signals (customer orders, forecasts, spares, and repair demand) into feasible master production schedules (MPS).
- Balance demand and capacity, highlighting constraints, risks, and trade-offs; develop mitigation plans with Operations and Supply Chain.
- Lead MRP and materials planning to ensure timely availability of components, kits, and raw materials while controlling inventory levels.
- Coordinate with Procurement and Supplier Management to align supplier capacity and lead times with Dowty’s production requirements.
- Support new product introductions and engineering changes, ensuring planning parameters and schedules reflect configuration changes and phase-in/phase-out plans.
Execution & Delivery Performance
- Monitor adherence to plan (schedule adherence, on-time start/finish, OTD) and drive corrective actions when deviations occur.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Logistics to resolve material shortages, bottlenecks, and shop floor disruptions.
- Maintain accurate planning master data in ERP/MRP systems (lead times, lot sizes, safety stocks, routings, BOMs, planning strategies).
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for late deliveries, past-due orders, and material shortages.
Inventory & Data Management
- Optimize inventory (raw, WIP, finished goods) to meet service levels and working capital targets.
- Monitor inventory health (excess, obsolete, slow-moving items) and lead recovery and disposition strategies.
- Drive data integrity and discipline for item masters, BOMs, routings, and planning attributes.
- Develop and maintain planning KPIs and dashboards, providing clear visibility to leadership and driving accountability.
Configuration Control
- Analyze and execute on configuration control changes made by the Engineering department and plan effectivity dates to optimize inventory strategies.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement process improvements in planning, scheduling, and materials management using lean and standard problem-solving tools.
- Standardize planning processes and standard work, ensuring consistent execution across the team.
- Support digital and analytics initiatives to improve forecast accuracy, planning stability, and visibility.
- Train and coach cross-functional teams on planning processes, roles, and expectations.
Required Qualifications
- This role requires advanced experience in manufacturing & materials planning and execution.
- Knowledge level comparable to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, or a high school diploma with relevant experience.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, MRP/ERP systems, materials planning, and capacity planning; strong Excel and data analysis skills; experience with lean/continuous improvement; applies structured problem solving and lean tools to improve planning and business outcomes.
Desired Characteristics
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.
- Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs.
- Established project management skills.
- APICS/ASCM certifications (CPIM, CSCP, or similar) desirable.
- Experience in production, materials planning, supply chain, or operations in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience gained in a people‑leadership or team‑lead role.
- Aerospace or complex engineered products experience preferred.
- Leads, motivates, and develops planners; builds a high‑performing, engaged team.
- Uses data to build robust plans, evaluate scenarios, and recommend trade-offs.
- Works effectively across Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Programs, and Customer Support.
- Acts with urgency to protect customer delivery and program commitments.
- Communicates clearly and can influence decisions at all organizational levels.
Flexible Working
GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work-life balance.
Total Reward
- Non-contributory Pension
- Life Assurance
- Group income protection
- Private medical cover
- Holiday – hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell
Security Clearance
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. In the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.
Right to Work
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.
Planning Leader - 18 Months Fixed Term Contract employer: IF1200 GE Aviation Systems Limited
At Dowty, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through robust training programmes and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers. Located in a vibrant area, we provide competitive benefits, including a non-contributory pension and private medical cover, all while promoting a healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements.
Contact Details:
IF1200 GE Aviation Systems Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Leader - 18 Months Fixed Term Contract
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Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
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We think you need these skills to ace Planning Leader - 18 Months Fixed Term Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Planning Leader - 18 Months Fixed Term Contract in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at IF1200 GE Aviation Systems Limited. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at IF1200 GE Aviation Systems Limited
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
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Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
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As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
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