At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and coordinate production schedules to meet customer demands.
- Company: Join NP Aerospace, a leader in defence technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and performance rewards.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that makes a real impact in the defence industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 37500 £ per year.
Location: Coventry, UK
Core Hours: 08:00-16:35 (Mon–Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)
Vacancy Type: Full-time, 12 month FTC and onsite
Salary: £30,000 - £37,500 per annum (subject to experience)
About the role
Plan with precision. Keep production moving.
We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Production Planner to join our Vehicle Systems team in Coventry on a 12 month FTC. In this role, you’ll manage and coordinate the Master Production Schedule (MPS) ensuring materials, capacity, and resources align to meet customer demand across multiple programmes.
You’ll work closely with Material Controllers, Production Managers, and key stakeholders to optimise workflow, maintain accurate schedules, and ensure production runs efficiently and on time. If you enjoy problem-solving, coordination, and seeing your plans come to life on the shop floor, this could be the ideal opportunity for you.
What you’ll get in return
- Performance rewards – discretionary bonus opportunities
- Flex your day – flexible start and finish times (subject to manager approval and operational needs)
- Time to recharge – 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy more through our Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Support for Defence – two weeks’ paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
- Future security – competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)
- Peace of mind – life cover at 3x base salary
- Health & wellbeing first – BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs
- Grow with us – career development and advancement opportunities within a global business
- Supportive environment – a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose
What you’ll be doing
In this role, you’ll take ownership of the Master Production Schedule (MPS), consolidating multiple project demands into achievable, efficient plans that align with capacity and customer delivery targets.
You’ll generate and manage Production Works Orders (PWOs), ensuring accuracy, timely updates, and proper closure to support invoicing and reporting. Working closely with Material Controllers, you’ll ensure inbound materials meet production requirements, while collaborating with Production Managers to align manpower and resources to schedule.
You’ll also help drive continuous improvement — identifying process efficiencies and system enhancements that keep our production planning function robust and responsive.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who brings strong planning, analytical, and communication skills, along with hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. You’ll ideally have:
- Proven experience in production planning or supply chain management within low to medium-volume automotive or defence manufacturing
- Proficiency with QAD, MRP, or equivalent systems
- Experience managing Bills of Materials (BoMs) and production schedules
- Understanding of system integration and configuration management
- Ability to coordinate effectively across multiple business functions
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail
- HNC or equivalent qualification in a manufacturing or technical discipline (desirable)
- Experience in risk and opportunity management to ensure operational efficiency
Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.
What do we do at NP Aerospace?
NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.
Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.
Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world’s largest defence organisations.
Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Data Privacy: NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.
Please note: If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.
Production Planner in Coventry employer: NP Aerospace Limited
At NP Aerospace, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. Located in Coventry, our team enjoys flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to career development within a global leader in defence technology. Join us to be part of a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact the safety and security of lives worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially how they align with your skills in production planning. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since the role involves coordination and efficiency, be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past roles. Use real examples to show off your analytical prowess and proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at NP Aerospace. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planner in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Planner role. Highlight your experience in production planning, supply chain management, and any relevant systems like QAD or MRP. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your proactive, solutions-focused approach can benefit our Vehicle Systems team. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in production planning before. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical skills and attention to detail through real-life scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at NP Aerospace Limited
✨Know Your Production Planning Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your production planning knowledge. Understand the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and how it aligns with customer demand. Be ready to discuss your experience with QAD, MRP, or similar systems, as this will show you’re well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves a lot of coordination and problem-solving, think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully tackled challenges in production planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain how you’ve collaborated with Material Controllers and Production Managers in the past to optimise workflow and maintain schedules.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
NP Aerospace values innovation and continuous improvement. Think about instances where you identified process efficiencies or system enhancements in your previous roles. Be ready to share these examples to demonstrate your proactive approach and commitment to improving production processes.
