At a Glance
- Tasks: Execute supply plans and coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely material availability.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence, committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, private medical cover, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and involvement in diverse employee initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of flight and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience with ERP systems and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation, defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran Seats is one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft seats, for both crew and passengers.
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you-both in and out of work, including:
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Industry leading pension scheme with salary sacrifice employer contributions up to 10%
- Private medical cover (to include Digital GP and rapid access Physio with no excess) with ability to upgrade level of benefit and cover family members
- Access to salary sacrifice benefits scheme including cycle to work
- 4 x Life Assurance
- Interactive benefits platform including wide range of discretionary benefits including technology, retail benefits, income protection
- Enhanced family friendly policies and benefits (enhanced maternity and paternity leave) and employee assistance programme
- Annual share save schemes
- Opportunities for career advancement and personal growth
As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision. We are looking for passionate individuals to join our Supply Chain team as an External Supply Planner at our Cwmbran site.
Your Role
As an External Supply Planner, you will be responsible for executing ERP-driven supply plans with external suppliers to ensure the timely availability of materials to support production. This is a highly operational role, focused on supplier coordination, expediting, and risk management, where you will play a key part in maintaining supply continuity and supporting production performance.
Key responsibilities include:
- Interpreting and actioning MRP outputs to manage purchase orders and supplier schedules
- Monitoring and expediting deliveries to ensure on-time material availability
- Acting as the primary point of contact for assigned suppliers on daily operational topics
- Managing supply disruptions, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation actions
- Assessing supplier capacity vs demand and supporting recovery plans where needed
- Tracking supplier performance (OTD, responsiveness, quality) and supporting reviews
- Collaborating cross-functionally with planning, logistics, production, and quality teams
- Maintaining accurate data within ERP systems (lead times, parameters, stock levels)
- Supporting root cause analysis of supply issues and driving continuous improvement initiatives
Participate in daily operational reviews and QRQC sessions. Support stock takes, audits, and readiness activities. Contribute to supplier transport coordination, documentation, and operational requests. Be part of a fast-paced supply chain environment with strong business impact and visibility.
If you're ready to take your career to new heights and be part of a company that's crafting the future of flight, apply today.
Why Safran?
- A global presence: Join a business with over 100,000 colleagues across 300 sites in 30 countries
- Inclusive & empowering environment: We value diversity and believe it drives innovation
- Innovation at the core: Be part of our journey to decarbonise aerospace
- Mobility & training opportunities: Personalised career development and growth opportunities
- A culture of excellence: Collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement are at the heart of what we do
Get involved. You'll also have the opportunity to join employee groups and initiatives such as Women at Safran, Diversity at Safran, sports clubs, STEM ambassadors, charity partnerships, and wellbeing programmes. At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
What You'll Bring
- Experience working with an ERP system (MRP / material scheduling) - Essential
- Background in supply planning, production planning, or supplier coordination - Essential
- Experience in supplier performance management and delivery tracking - Essential
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment - Essential
- Strong skills in Excel and Microsoft Office tools - Essential
- Strong problem-solving and data-driven mindset - Essential
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills - Essential
- Desirable: Experience in aerospace or manufacturing industry
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing / continuous improvement tools
- Experience with Power BI or supplier collaboration systems (e.g. Lean DNA)
- APICS CPIM / CSCP or equivalent supply chain qualification
External Supply Planner in Cwmbran employer: Safran UK
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Cwmbran site where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits including 33 days of holiday, an industry-leading pension scheme, and extensive career development opportunities through Safran University. Join us in crafting excellence together as we shape a sustainable future in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Supply Planner in Cwmbran
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Safran. LinkedIn is your best mate here—connect, engage, and don’t be shy to ask for informational chats. You never know who might put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Safran’s values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission to craft excellence together. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! As an External Supply Planner, you’ll need to think on your feet. Use mock interviews to tackle common supply chain scenarios and demonstrate your analytical mindset. It’ll help you stand out during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Safran family. Keep an eye on the job portal for updates and new opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace External Supply Planner in Cwmbran
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the External Supply Planner role. Highlight your experience with ERP systems and supply planning, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your skills in managing supplier performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining Safran and how your background aligns with our mission of crafting excellence together. Be sure to mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate a data-driven mindset and effective problem-solving skills, especially in fast-paced environments like supply chain management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran UK
✨Know Your ERP Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ERP systems, especially MRP and material scheduling. Be ready to discuss your experience with these systems and how you've used them in past roles to manage supply planning effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities, particularly in managing supply disruptions or performance issues. Think of specific situations where you identified risks and implemented successful mitigation actions.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves a lot of coordination with suppliers and cross-functional teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to demonstrate your communication style and how you manage stakeholder relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Data-Driven Mindset
Familiarise yourself with key metrics related to supplier performance, such as on-time delivery and quality. Be ready to discuss how you track and analyse data to drive continuous improvement initiatives in your previous roles.
