Planning Manager in Luton

Leonardo has an exciting opportunity within the Operations function for an experienced Planning Manager. This is a site-based role at Luton, with the expectation of working a minimum of 4 days a week in the office.

As Planning Manager, you would be responsible for overseeing and coordinating various aspects of project planning and execution. You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams, communicate progress to stakeholders and analyse data to optimise project success. This role will involve line management.

Ensuring the MPS schedule and SAP plans are correct and updated in accordance with material availability versus customer demand. Running a cost analysis every month to ensure budgeted EAC is correct and capture any variances or overspends. Ensuring all requisitions are placed in accordance with the plan and working with Procurement to convert/place Purchase Orders within an acceptable timeframe.

The key responsibilities of the Planning Manager role:

• Project Planning / Scheduling – Develop and manage project plans and MRPII material schedules, ensuring material availability whilst maintaining the delivery (MPS) output.
• Cost accounting – Using Excel macros/tables to analyse costs to determine where adjustments need to be made/budgeted/journalled correctly.
• Management – Conduct, chair and lead project requirements that are key to the success of the product.
• Configuration – Able to study Bills of Material (BOM) and changes required, to build products and plan in points of embodiments.
• Resource Allocation – Allocate necessary resources, including personnel, equipment and materials to meet project requirements.
• Estimating – Able to produce quotes or budgets using historical data.
• Team collaboration – Coordinate and communicate with cross-functional teams, ensuring effective alignment to achieve project goals.
• Team development – Coach, mentor and support team members, facilitating their growth and development within the organisation.
• Stakeholder communication – Provide regular updates and reports to stakeholders, including IPTs, senior management, project managers and team members on project status and potential roadblocks.
• Purchase Requisition Management – Reviewing purchase requisition for material or services needed to support projects or operations.
• Data analysis – Analyse project data and performance metrics to identify trends to make informed decisions that impact upon the project achievability.
• Performance tracking – Monitor project progress, measure performance against milestones and implement adjustments when necessary to keep projects on track.
• Data integrity – Determine where anomalous data is and maintain good practice with all functions to ensure measurements are true.
• Problem solving – Address issues and challenges that arise during project execution, making decisions that align with project goals and company objectives.
• Risk assessment – Identify potential risks and challenges in projects, develop mitigation strategies and proactively address issues that may arise.
• Adaptability – Flexibly adjust plans in response to changing circumstances or unexpected developments.

What you’ll bring:

• A proficient understanding of material and all its requirements.
• Strong organisational, communication and analytical skills are essential for this role.
• Proficiency in planning, organising and overseeing projects/schedules from initiation to completion.
• Experience in using SAP and Excel to plan/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 efficiently convey/present 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/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.
• Able to work independently, whilst delivering a 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 thorough understanding of project requirements and success criteria.
• Applying the resources that have the correct understanding/specialities to be able to complete the task.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good 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). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
• Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part-time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!