At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage material planning and production schedules for cutting-edge technology projects.
- Company: Thales, a global tech leader impacting millions daily.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, remote options, bonuses, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Supportive and inclusive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Play a key role in innovative projects that enhance safety and security.
- Qualifications: Experience in material planning and team management; APICS certification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Would you like to work for a world-renowned department that manufactures and supplies technology impacting the lives of millions of people each day, making life better and keeping us safe? Our Integrated Air Systems Manufacturing division provides parts and materials for missile programmes. We are looking for a Master Planner to play a critical, high-profile role in facilitating the delivery of increased workloads on these integral programmes.
What the role has to offer:
You will be responsible for managing the material planning activities, preparing the master production schedule, providing materials, resource and KPI analysis in support of manufacturing plans, and reporting project progress to the programme teams up to Director level. You will have full control of identifying opportunities, problems and bottlenecks and finding and implementing solutions. Although this is a hands-on role, you will also manage up to 2 direct reports so previous experience in managing a small team, or the genuine desire to, is a pre-requisite.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, validate and input schedules into company ERP system for programmes
- Ensure daily governance and efficient use of ERP best practice
- Provide materials, production capacity, and labour analysis
- Provide comprehensive capacity planning analysis to resource level
- Manage the supply chain planning activities
- Assist in the effective planning of material requirements and manufacturing workflow
- Assist other functions in adopting strategic inventory and material management techniques
- Develop and provide information and management reports
- Day to day management of up to 2 members of staff within the planning team
The successful candidate will:
- Have hands-on experience in preparing the master production schedule
- Have demonstrable experience in material planning
- Be involved in or have hands-on experience of manpower, resource and capacity planning
- Have experience or the right behaviours and desire to manage a team
- Be able to report up to Director level and understand the levels of information required for differing stakeholders
- Be APICS Certified or equivalent
- Have used large ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle
- Able to obtain SC level security clearance
What the role has to offer:
Other than working on cutting-edge technology projects, you report up to Programme Directors and Sales and Operations planning meaning you play a key part in the sales and operations planning process. The opportunity exists to really make this role your own and drive it through. The role is multifaceted and has a broader scope and more variety than some similar roles can offer. The working environment is supportive, flexible and inclusive. We work a 37-hour week across 4 days in this part of the business with the option to work from home 1 of those days. We also offer additional benefits such as a bonus and Private Medical.
What We Can Offer:
We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market-leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you will have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.
If you are interested in this role, we would encourage you to have an informal chat with the Talent Acquisition Partner.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
Master Planner in Belfast employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Crawley where innovation meets social responsibility. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to market-leading training and mentorship from industry experts, alongside competitive benefits such as private healthcare, a robust pension plan, and opportunities for career advancement within a diverse global organisation. Join us to contribute to cutting-edge projects in defence and aerospace while enjoying a supportive culture that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Master Planner in Belfast
✨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 Thales, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Master Planner in Belfast
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 Thales 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 Thales
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Thales, 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 Thales 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.
