Planning and Operational Specialist in Cheltenham

Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

We are seeking a highly organised and analytically minded Planning & Operational Specialist to join our Assembly Planning team. In this role, you will create, review and manage production plans for designated assembly lines - ensuring we meet customer demand on time and in full. You will collaborate closely with production, supply chain, and commercial teams, playing a key role in inventory modelling, new product introductions and continuous improvement initiatives. This dynamic position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced production environment, enjoys solving complex problems through data, and is motivated by delivering operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning & Scheduling
  • Create and manage assembly production plans for designated lines in collaboration with production teams to meet required deadlines.
  • Fully understand, review and action MRP messages through robust analysis of supply and demand.
  • Manage sales order demand releases, ensuring an optimal balance between customer requirements and production capabilities.
  • Maintain accurate product lead‑times and ensure commitments are consistently met.
• Inventory & Supply Chain Management
  • Review items within the regular Inventory Modelling (IQM) process and recommend optimal inventory settings, including batch size and lead time adjustments.
  • Analyse daily supply of component parts, progressing shortages and identifying alternative solutions (substitutes, reprioritisation, etc.).
  • Calculate stock requirements for both existing and new projects.
• Data, Reporting & Business Support
  • Update daily and weekly business reports including Orderbook, DRS files and other operational trackers.
  • Provide detailed quotes for large order demands based on planning logic and production capability.
  • Support cross-functional requests such as product quotes, sample/modification actions, scrap approvals, and order status updates.
• Projects, Improvements & Collaboration
  • Actively support New Product Introductions and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in process design and review activities within the department.
  • Provide cover for team members as required and support the Assembly Planning Team Leader with reasonable additional tasks.

Experience & Qualifications

• Relevant planning experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with MRP tools and processes.
• Proven ability to analyse large datasets to identify supply, demand and inventory trends.
• Hands‑on experience using data analytics tools (Power BI, Excel modelling).
• Ability to translate complex data insights into actionable planning decisions.
• Degree-level qualification in Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• APICS certification (or equivalent).
• Experience with IT‑based planning systems (e.g., JD Edwards Enterprise One).
• Strong mathematical capability.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with high attention to detail.
• Proactive communicator with confidence to challenge and collaborate effectively.
• High level of initiative and problem‑solving capability.
• Negotiation skills and ability to influence across teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Leadership qualities and strong critical thinking skills.

Benefits

You will receive a competitive salary (and a discretionary bonus), flexible working and excellent benefits including 27 days holiday allowance (before bank holidays), 3 days’ paid volunteering leave, comprehensive private healthcare, enhanced pension plan, life assurance, optional participation in a Share Ownership Plan, free onsite parking, flexible benefits, and access to a personal discounts’ portal.

We also offer a range of additional support and benefits through our Everyone is Included Group Inclusion Plan. We are passionate about creating inclusive and equitable working cultures where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential. For us, that means supportive teams and strong relationships where everyone’s contribution is valued - across social and cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, genders, gender identities, abilities, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and everything else that makes us human and unique. We want everyone to be able to make their difference here, so we will always consider requests for flexible working. We know that everyone needs some extra help from time to time too, so we have introduced a range of additional benefits through our Group Inclusion Commitments. These include gender‑neutral parental leave, 15 days of extra paid caregiver leave, paid time off and support for anyone experiencing pregnancy loss or domestic abuse, menopause‑friendly workplace principles and more.

We are also a Disability Confident Committed Employer. If you would like to apply using this scheme, please select this option in our application form or notify our recruitment partners.