- Company Name
- Oxford Instruments plc
- Job Title
- Head of Planning
- Job Description
-
**Job title**
Head of Planning
**Role Summary**
Lead the planning function to drive sustainable growth, oversee Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP), and ensure accurate production schedules, capacity planning, and inventory management. Manage cross‑functional collaboration, mentor a planning team, and implement process improvements using Lean and advanced forecasting techniques.
**Expectations**
- Deliver planning strategies that support business objectives and annual budgets.
- Maintain high data integrity across ERP/MRP systems.
- Reduce operational waste, improve cycle time, and enhance forecasting accuracy.
- Build a high‑performing planning team with clear succession plans.
- Act as the senior interface to Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality.
**Key Responsibilities**
1. Contribute to business strategy, budgeting, and planning strategy development.
2. Develop, maintain, and oversee Master Production Schedules (MPS) and day‑to‑day planning.
3. Lead capacity planning for labour, tools, and materials; identify constraints and plan for new product introductions.
4. Analyze demand variability, use advanced forecasting to support supply chain, and influence part treatment plans.
5. Manage inventory policies for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods, coordinating with supply chain for material availability.
6. Drive planning improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies and problem‑solving tools.
7. Ensure ERP and MRP data accuracy; champion technology adoption and system enhancements.
8. Mentor, develop, and evaluate a planning team; create development and succession plans.
9. Coordinate with Sales, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Import/Export, and Shipping to align plans with business goals.
10. Identify and mitigate material shortages or other risks, maintaining production continuity and reliable delivery dates.
**Required Skills**
- Strong MRP II, ERP/MES (e.g., SAP), and supply‑planning knowledge.
- Advanced data analysis, Excel, and forecasting skill set.
- Leadership experience managing and developing planning teams.
- Customer‑centric problem‑solving and ability to deliver commitments.
- Lean/Continuous Improvement mindset and practical application.
- Excellent analytical, monitoring, and decision‑making abilities.
- Effective communicator across cross‑functional teams.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- Tertiary qualification in Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Professional certifications such as APICS CPIM, CSCP, Lean, or Continuous Improvement (CI) preferred.
Severn beach, United kingdom
Hybrid
25-02-2026