Overview
As a Production Planner, you will play a critical role in ensuring manufacturing activities are planned, coordinated, and executed in line with programme priorities and delivery commitments. Working within a fast-growing, highly regulated defence environment, you will take ownership of production schedules, material readiness, capacity planning, and manufacturing delivery performance.
You will work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and Programme teams, balancing development activity and serial production requirements to maintain operational flow and support ambitious growth plans. This role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage competing priorities, and is comfortable making data-driven decisions in support of business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Own and maintain production schedules across manufacturing and development activities, ensuring alignment to programme and delivery requirements.
- Coordinate production priorities across multiple work centres, balancing capacity, materials, engineering changes, and operational constraints.
- Develop and maintain capacity plans, identifying bottlenecks, resource constraints, and delivery risks before they impact programme milestones.
- Monitor manufacturing progress against plan, proactively escalating issues and driving recovery actions where required.
- Work closely with Engineering teams to manage engineering changes, ensuring Bills of Materials and production requirements remain accurate and up to date.
- Collaborate with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to ensure material availability supports production schedules and delivery commitments.
- Support the implementation and optimisation of MRP/ERP planning processes, maintaining high levels of planning data accuracy and integrity.
- Track and communicate key production KPIs, providing clear reporting and recommendations to operational stakeholders.
- Facilitate effective communication between Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Programme teams to ensure alignment on production priorities.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement through analysis of planning performance, delivery metrics, and manufacturing data.
- Support NPI, development builds, and engineering programmes while maintaining stability of ongoing production operations.
- Operate effectively within a security-conscious environment, ensuring appropriate handling of sensitive programmes, products, and information.
Requirements
- Experience in Production Planning, Production Control, Manufacturing Operations, Scheduling, or Supply Chain Planning within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of production scheduling, manufacturing workflows, and capacity planning principles.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems to manage production requirements, material planning, and operational delivery.
- Ability to interpret engineering and manufacturing data, including Bills of Materials and engineering changes.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple functions.
- Proven ability to identify risks, prioritise workload, and maintain delivery performance within fast-paced operational environments.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to utilise data to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Excellent organisational skills with a structured and detail-oriented approach to planning activities.
Preferred Qualifications / Experience
- Experience within aerospace, defence, motorsport, automotive, or other high-precision manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting NPI, development programmes, or engineering-led manufacturing operations.
- Knowledge of capacity modelling, production forecasting, and manufacturing performance analysis.
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation and stock options
- Private Medical & Dental
- Cycle to work scheme
- Lunchtime catering on site
About Us
The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence.
We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery.
We have immense backing from the world's best venture funds. We're one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we're hiring the best people to prosecute the mission.
If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
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Production Planner in Cambridge employer: Pace XL Ltd.
Cambridge Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the aerospace sector. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology in a pivotal role. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience in a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Cambridge
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Pace XL Ltd., apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Pace XL Ltd. specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pace XL Ltd.
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Pace XL Ltd., brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Pace XL Ltd. value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
