Head of Planning in Severn Beach

We are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for a permanent Head of Planning position based in Severn Beach, Bristol. In this role, you will serve as the functional lead in Planning, responsible for developing and refining processes and systems that promote sustainable growth. You will continuously enhance our planning strategy and oversee the Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process to ensure excellence. Your duties will include effectively managing production schedules and capacity planning to align resources with demand, as well as integrating new product introductions with both internal teams and our suppliers. Additionally, you will foster professional growth by coaching team members, managing performance, and supporting their development. As an integral member of our Operations Management Team, you will play a vital role in executing our business strategy, building strong collaborative relationships across functions, and championing ongoing development within Plasma Technology.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the business strategy and annual budget process, and devise and implement appropriate planning strategies to meet objectives for delivery targets.
• Oversee day‑to‑day planning activities, developing and maintaining reliable and detailed production schedules and a Master Production Schedule (MPS).
• Lead capacity planning across internal resources (labour, tools, materials), identifying constraints and ensuring readiness for new product introductions.
• Analyse demand variations to support the Head of Supply Chain, use advanced forecasting methods to anticipate demand, influence part treatment plans and manage inventory levels effectively.
• Manage inventory policies and levels of raw materials, work‑in‑progress, and finished goods, coordinating with the Head of Supply Chain to ensure timely material availability.
• Identify and execute planning improvement initiatives, incorporating Lean methodologies and problem‑solving tools to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) data accuracy, and drive improvements in planning systems and technology adoption.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing planning team, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Develop robust talent and succession plans and manage associated actions.
• Proactively manage and forecast labour requirements.
• Act as the senior planning interface, collaborating with cross‑functional teams including Sales, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Import/Export and Shipping to align plans with business objectives.
• Identify potential issues (e.g. material shortages) and propose mitigating actions to ensure production continuity and reliable delivery dates.

Education/Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in relevant disciplines and/or an Apprenticeship in an appropriate discipline or equivalent experience. For example, a degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional qualifications such as APICS CPIM/CSCP or Lean/CI certifications are desirable.

Professional Skills/Abilities

• Customer‑centric problem solving.
• Skilled at delivering customer commitments in line with business objectives.
• Strong technical knowledge of MRP II principles, ERP/MES systems (e.g., SAP), and supply planning methodologies.
• Proficiency in data analysis and advanced Excel is often required.
• Experience managing and developing Planning teams.
• Recognises, inspires, and motivates the team to contribute to business objectives, and in place actions and opportunities to develop their team.
• Highly developed analytical and problem‑solving abilities to interpret complex data and make data‑driven decisions.
• Puts in place monitoring processes and makes appropriate adjustments when progress is not as planned or when requirements change.
• Plans own time to maximum effect, delegating responsibility and authority appropriately.
• Co‑operates effectively with, and makes a significant contribution to, the wider Management team.
• Implements business processes to create a competitive advantage.
• Contributes to the strategic change required to drive process improvement for the benefit of the business.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive starting salary, structured career development opportunities, and a good work‑life balance, Oxford Instruments offers 25 days annual leave, early finish on Fridays, private healthcare, a share incentive plan, a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan, and a flexible benefits package that you can tailor to your own requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and would ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about any barriers you feel you may be facing in your application process with us.