To lead the Planning and Production Control function, ensuring accurate and balanced factory workload, and timely delivery of information and supporting materials to the relevant departments. Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager and responsible for a small planning team, key accountabilities include: • To create the production and sales order schedules, determining the most efficient and effective workflow plan to achieve the scheduled project milestones. • To produce dynamic updates to the factory schedule when plans deviate and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders. • The Lead Planner will be responsible for releasing supply chain requirements from the ERP workbench in accordance with the production plan. • To ensure processes are in place to ensure timely delivery of line side components and kanban stock. • Review all potential workload with the Sales Department forecast, producing factory loading charts in accordance with the business requirements. • Lead by example through a positive attitude and commitment and responsibility for all planning personnel (including management of cover within the department, managing the annual performance review process and other people management processes). • Ensure all planning employees are competent to fully use planning systems. • Define and produce a set of agreed KPI’s monthly and advise on improvement areas. • To chair all meetings related to production schedules and provide accurate data to support the Efficiency Improvements & Margin Erosion objectives. • Identify and pursue improvement and cost saving opportunities throughout the department. Competence Profile • Strong IT skills and familiarity with Oracle or SAP based ERP systems would be an advantage. • Product/Process Knowledge. • The ideal candidate will have strong Microsoft Excel skills • The ability to effectively communicate using both verbal and written communication that delivers high levels of confidence in those dealt with. • The ability to think through and adopt a clear, sensible approach to planning, prioritising and organising tasks and activities to meet deadlines. Makes most efficient use of time and other resources. • The ability to pragmatically solve problems using varied approaches and considering all relevant factors and options before making a decision/taking action. • Proactive in approach, resilient under pressure, ability to maintain clarity and vision, and possesses a strong results orientation. Employment & Educational Background • The candidate should have at least 5 years relevant experience in a planning role. • An IT expert, the ideal candidate will be comfortable with all Microsoft packages with an ability to teach others. • The ideal candidate will have two or more years experience working with Oracle or SAP based ERP systems. • An understanding of Lean Manufacturing best practice and implementation would be desirable. In our 70+ year history, Powell has always known that our employees are at the heart of our success. Without question, we have the most talented people in every part of our organisation. As a manufacturer, we recruit experienced, knowledgeable and capable individuals to ensure our product is engineered, fabricated and assembled to customer specification. Powered by Innovation - Powell’s culture has and will always be founded in our "can do" attitude. If we can imagine it, we can do it. Become a part of our story, and let us help you write yours. Hard work pays off in all of our teams, with opportunity for advancement and promotion without sacrificing work-life balance. Successful candidates must have a legal authorisation to work in the United Kingdom on a full-time basis, with only those candidates selected for interview contacted. The Job Description is a broad statement of the purpose, scope and responsibilities essential to performing within the role to a required standard. The defined role and responsibilities will change with technology, working practices and redefining of roles; with this in mind, the process will be reviewed as changes demand. The format does not require every single task to be recorded, instead the Job Description is generic in nature permitting flexibility but describing the boundaries of responsibility and accountability. Powell is committed towards equality in employment.