Planning Engineer Location: Crewe Contract: Until 23rd December 2025 35 hours per week – 4 days on-site (flexible on days) Overview of the Role: We are seeking a Planning Engineer to support the manufacturing operations of the Seat, Trim & Build – SUV Platform, ensuring seamless production processes from pre-series through to series production and end-of-production (EOP). This role requires expertise in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), jigs, fixtures, and tooling, change management, status reporting, and cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will work closely with multiple departments to identify and resolve manufacturing feasibility concerns, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, IATF16949, and VW Standards. While experience in automotive manufacturing is preferred, candidates with aerospace experience will also be considered. Key Responsibilities: 1. Technical Responsibilities: Ensure Manufacturing Feasibility is evaluated in line with PEP (Product Emergence Process). Deliver APQP processes to ensure quality standards and audit compliance. Provide manufacturing sign-off for Bid Specifications and B-Release approvals. Identify Facility, Jig, Fixture, and Tooling requirements for production. Develop and refine equipment and process settings/parameters. Implement engineering changes effectively within assigned manufacturing zones. Lead issue resolution related to feasibility, process, build concerns, fixtures, and tools, using appropriate problem-solving techniques. Manage permits and concessions as part of regulatory compliance. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base through benchmarking, training, and liaison with Group colleagues. 2. Financial Responsibilities: Ensure processes are delivered within budget targets. Manage and mitigate cost risks. Support justification for Capital Expenditure Investment. Drive cost-saving initiatives to reduce operational expenses. Support process improvement workshops to meet production time targets. 3. Planning & Coordination: Analyse and respond to business requirements, engineering changes, and technical documentation (e.g., TCD, AEKO/ECR). Develop milestone deliverables and monitor detailed project plans. Work closely with Manufacturing, Logistics, Production, and Facilities to ensure efficiency. Collaborate cross-functionally to influence product and process changes. Work alongside Mulliner to support bespoke vehicle production. Conduct analysis of technology measurements and controls to drive improvements. 4. Project Management: Deliver projects in line with business requirements for quality, cost, and timing, ensuring alignment with PEP. Identify and mitigate project risks proactively. Maintain key performance metrics, coordinating activities to resolve concerns and meet technology targets. 5. Continuous Improvement & Local Responsibilities: Support continuous development of production times through process refinement. Identify and define facility requirements for product-related investments. Lead project-specific activities, with responsibility for budgets up to €1M. Essential Skills and Experience: To be considered for the Planning Engineer role, candidates must demonstrate expertise in the following areas: APQP (Advanced Production Quality Planning) – Strong experience in quality planning methodologies and audit compliance. Jig, Fixtures, and Tooling Experience – Hands-on knowledge of manufacturing tooling and fixture design. Change Management – Proven ability to implement and oversee engineering changes efficiently. Status Reporting – Experience in tracking project progress, KPI management, and stakeholder reporting. Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ability to work effectively across multiple departments to drive improvements.