This key role requires a solid background in manufacturing, and the successful candidate will be an integral part of the Operations Leadership Team. This position is particularly suited to those with experience in highly regulated sectors or the automotive industry, with expertise in planning processes, MRP control, and inventory management. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage the open order book sales plan with a focus on short-, medium-, and long-term planning through regular reviews with Purchasing, Customer Services, and Operations Oversee the Master Production Schedule, taking into account component lead times and capacity constraints Maintain high levels of sales order execution forecast accuracy Ensure daily planning activities are executed within required service levels, monitored through KPI metrics Act as MRP "Super User" for the planning department Drive production order on-time, in-full (OTIF) with Operations to enhance customer satisfaction Mentor and coach Planning Team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement Support new product introductions (NPI) for new business programs Implement continuous improvement (CI) methodologies to enhance business processes Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) requirements and drive business optimisation Job Requirements: Proven ability to lead and execute Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) Strong understanding of MRP parameters and functionality Solid analytical skills in forecasting and production planning Ability to solve practical problems and adapt to changing situations under pressure High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) Experience in works order control and a thorough understanding of traceability Excellent business writing skills and interpersonal abilities Proven team player with strong project management and negotiation skills Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to drive results and manage multiple tasks If you are an experienced professional seeking a challenging and rewarding role as a Planning Manager in the Defence & Security sector, we encourage you to apply now and join our client's dynamic team