Planning Manager in Luton

Leonardo offers an exciting opportunity within the Operations function for an experienced Planning Manager. This site‑based role is located in Luton and requires a minimum of 4 days a week in the office.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate various aspects of project planning and execution.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, communicate progress to stakeholders, and analyse data to optimise project success.
• Line‑management responsibilities.
• Ensure the MPS schedule and SAP plans are correct and updated in accordance with material availability versus customer demand.
• Run a monthly cost analysis to verify budgeted EAC and capture variances or overspends.
• Place requisitions in accordance with the plan and work with Procurement to convert/place Purchase Orders within acceptable timeframes.
• Develop and manage project plans and MRPII material schedules, ensuring material availability while maintaining MPS output.
• Analyse costs using Excel macros and tables to determine adjustments and correct budgeting/journalling.
• Conduct, chair, and lead project requirements essential to product success.
• Study Bills of Material (BOM) and required changes to build products and plan embodiments.
• Allocate resources – personnel, equipment, and materials – to meet project requirements.
• Prepare quotes or budgets using historical data.
• Coordinate and communicate with cross‑functional teams to align project goals.
• Coach, mentor, and support team members to facilitate growth.
• Provide regular updates and reports to stakeholders (IPT’s, senior management, project managers, team members) on status and potential roadblocks.
• Review purchase requisitions for material or services needed to support projects or operations.
• Analyse project data and performance metrics to identify trends and inform decisions impacting project achievability.
• Monitor project progress, measure against milestones, and implement adjustments to keep projects on track.
• Maintain data integrity by ensuring measurements are accurate and true.
• Address issues and challenges during execution, making decisions that align with project goals and company objectives.
• Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and address issues proactively.
• Adjust plans flexibly in response to changing circumstances or unexpected developments.

What you’ll bring

• Proficient understanding of material and its requirements.
• Strong organisational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Experience planning, organising, and overseeing projects and schedules from initiation to completion.
• Experience using SAP and Excel to plan and analyse material requirements effectively.
• Ability to analyse data and performance metrics to make informed decisions, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey plans, updates, and expectations to cross‑functional teams.
• Capacity to identify issues, develop solutions, and facilitate decisions that support project goals based on processes and performance metrics.
• Ability to lead and support multi‑functional teams that drive success.
• Effective time‑management skills to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Flexibility to adjust plans in response to changing circumstances, unexpected developments, and evolving priorities.
• Ability to work independently while delivering a comprehensive plan and informing critical requirements to all key resources.
• Thoroughness in reviewing project plans, documentation, and reports to ensure accuracy and quality of all data.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and maintain a positive team dynamic.
• Confidence in making decisions based on data, analysis, and a thorough understanding of project requirements and success criteria.
• Apply resources that have the correct understanding or specialities to complete tasks.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Benefits

• Comprehensive company‑funded benefits package supporting wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance.
• Generous leave with opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Eligibility for bonus scheme at management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Referral programme rewards.
• Flexible benefits up to £500 annually covering private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible hours with hybrid working options; part‑time possibilities to be discussed.