Head of Planning - Defence MA&T UK

Job Description

Head of Planning - Defence MA&T UK

Bristol – full time

Level B

An exciting opportunity has become available to join Defence UK Manufacturing, Assembly & Test (MA&T) as Head of Planning. As Head of Planning, you will be responsible for leading the creation of comprehensive production manufacturing & assembly plans to meet current and future business/customer requirements. As a Planning & Control leader you will lead the function in their professional development and champion lean in the pursuit of process simplification, effectiveness, and improvement.

A working knowledge of manufacturing, engine assembly and/ or MRO processes would be highly advantageous plus a background in working with multiple teams influencing a diverse range of stakeholders will ensure success in this role.

Join us and we’ll provide an environment where you can be yourself. An inclusive, digital-first culture that invests in you, gives you a platform for continuous learning, and access to an incredible breadth and depth of opportunities to grow your career.

We offer excellent development, a competitive salary and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts.

  

Key Accountabilities

• Integration of all the Bristol MA&T planning and control activities ensuring demand and capacity balance to ensure customer on time delivery and optimal inventory, working closely with our Business Support and Customer teams
• Determine, agree, and drive the governance of the KPIs to make a step change in operational performance (cost per unit output, slow moving WIP, ERP compliance, TRT etc) - with a focus on standardisation of the tools used by the teams
• Support the functional people development plans for Bristol MA&T by ensuring talent pipelines and succession plans are in place. Interface with the programme and services teams to ensure the demand signal into the manufacturing and assembly facilities is robust ensuring better alignment
• Validate the quality and robustness of the Bristol MA&T planning activity across all our businesses to ensure (a) risks to planned performance are understood and actively addressed; and (b) impact such as capital investment, manpower, rate readiness and supply chain change are known and managed (c) alignment of the planning cycles with the Finance processes to ensure clear integration and successful preparation for forecasts (e.g. ATS, Target Cascade etc)
• Work with the relevant teams to inform the business of the medium and long-term strategy with the development of future forecasts including high/ low scenarios, model business risks and provide recommendations for the Defence leadership team

Key Skills and Qualifications            

• Experience in a P&C management role with a working knowledge of manufacturing, engine assembly and/ or MRO processes
• Has the professional credibility to lead and influence the extended functional team
• Experience of personally delivering and engaging diverse teams in performance improvement
• Demonstrated ability to spot opportunities for business/process improvement and drive change with pace
• Highly confident in using SAP, Business Warehouse, Tableau and associated systems to turn data into information with an interest in digital operations

Join us & help Rolls-Royce to become a high-performing, competitive, resilient business.

Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. 

  

The professional level and the salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate. 

  

It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive working environment. We believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures give us different perspectives. And the more perspectives we have, the more successful we’ll be. By building a culture of respect and appreciation, we give everyone who works here the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Learn more about our global Inclusion Strategy

Grade:  Management level B

For further information please contact:  Lizzie Moore - Lizzie.moore@rolls-royce.com

Job Category

Supply Chain Planning & Control

Posting Date

17 Nov 2025; 00:11

Posting End Date

23 Nov 2025