Head Of Planning

Xtrac is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of specialist transmissions. Our customers include the top motorsports racing series including Formula One, Le Mans, IndyCar and NASCAR and we also supply transmissions for the most exclusive high-performance cars in the world. We are at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation opportunity as the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion to electric and hybrid and our experienced and dedicated teams are using the latest cutting-edge technology to achieve this transition.

Overview

The Head of Planning role is part of the COO's leadership team, responsible for managing the translation of customer demand into the delivery plan. You will coordinate the activities of the planning team across all products and projects to create and maintain a deliverable production, supply chain and logistics plan that is aligned to the commercial demand and business objectives. This team and role covers both Sales and Operational Planning (S&OP) along with Execution side (S&OE) to ensure timely delivery to the customer.

As the company's planning leader, your primary role is to ensure that the master schedule for each manufacturing plant and the supply is created in a timely manner, communicated effectively, and updated and managed on a fast-paced regular basis. In addition, you are responsible for stock items being manufactured and procured on time alongside the production plan for new product introduction (NPI), to ensure the smooth introduction of new products across multiple phases.

Working closely with the commercial, procurement and operations teams you will lead the production and delivery planning function to deliver the business operational and financial objectives. You will also manage the inventory policies to meet both the customer service requirements and the overall business working capital objectives.

Day to Day

Lead the translation of the commercial demand into a delivery plan.Create and maintain a Master Schedule to operate across the multiple manufacturing plants and supply chain.Translate the master schedule to a dynamic and efficient production schedule through a team of Production Planning Specialists and Embedded Planners, providing clear communication, mentoring and direct coaching in order to create and maintain a high performing team and culture.Provide operational and systems guidance, direction, and leadership within the planning team to ensure a consistent approach to planning activities and the delivery of a coherent production and logistics plan across the business.Lead the planning element of New Product Introduction (NPI) process, evaluating inventory and capacity requirements to ensure a smooth launch in conjunction with the Head of PMO.Manage the ongoing plan for the existing product portfolio lifecycle to meet customer expectations and business objectives, including the evaluation and implementation of ongoing engineering requests.Represent planning within the Xtrac business and the monthly integrated business planning (IBP) cycle.Support business growth by coordinating the aggregated capacity requirements over the rolling 0–24-month horizon.Define, develop and communicate the planning policies.Through the IBP process adopt a proactive and collaborative approach, especially with the planning team, raise constraints / risk and proposing mitigating actions.Methodical approach to ensure tasks are completed with a high degree of accuracy consistently.Ability to work calmly to deadlines with a flexible approach.

About You

You will have a thorough and in depth understanding of planning principles, ideally supported with a relevant professional qualification.You will have a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and routing (ideally within the metallic precision manufacturing space) and be used to working within an agile, fast paced environment with a strong on-time delivery mindset.You will be an expert communicator and comfortable flexing between layers of management.You will possess excellent leadership and management capability.You will possess a good understanding of ERP principles and be a proficient ERP user (Epicor preferred but not essential).An essential skill is a demonstrated capability to lead, develop and motivate a team.Good knowledge and understanding of metallic precision manufacturing techniques and processes, low volume assembly techniques and how they can be harnessed to deliver an agile, finite capacity based production plan for execution.Familiarity with project management techniques and stage gate processes for the introduction of new engineering and automotive products.Competent user of Microsoft Office suite. (Word / Excel / PowerPoint / Teams).You will have a positive attitude to problem solving and enjoy the analysis of complex scheduling requirements.You will demonstrate excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and be able to take the initiative to ensure goals are met.

Role Impact

Working Relations Expected decision making / problem solving

You will be able to build appropriate professional, collaborative, friendly and accessible relationships with your team, peers and line managers. You will be comfortable with both verbal and written communication.

You will represent the planning function, interfacing with commercial, finance, project management, engineering and operations colleagues. Some elements of the role will be customer facing.

You will be able to use your skills and experience to mentor and develop your team and educate colleagues in the wider planning and business functions.

Expected decision making / problem solving

You will work to manage the requirements of the Delivery Plan to meet the business objectives, interfacing with senior colleagues from the commercial, finance, planning and operations teams to ensure a coherent approach.

You will be able to take the initiative to not only identify risks but also offer solutions. You will be expected to provide robust solutions to achieve the business objectives that are based on demonstrated capacity and supported by the wider supply chain, along with being the process owner (and improver) for planning.

Planning

You will lead the production and delivery planning and function within the business to ensure there are no operational or capability gaps that limit the ability to deliver. You will manage your own time to ensure that the requirements of the department and business are met.

You will be able to work independently and as part of the wider planning function.

Other Information

Budgetary Responsibility : Annual headcount, learning & development.Leading People : Team of approximately 12Location : Onsite at Thatcham, UKTravel : Not usually required, occasional UK travel to customers, conferences, industry workshops and suppliers would be likely.

About Xtrac

Here at Xtrac, we are one of the world's leading manufacturers of Motorsport and High-Performance Automotive Transmission Solutions. Our products are used internationally across the most prestigious motorsport events so naturally we have a passion for winning and continuously improving, whether that be our products, our people, or our business. Our vision is to transform into a world class high performance automotive supplier whilst retaining our position as a world leader in motorsport, so now is the time to join our journey, make an impact and contribute to the success of our future.

What makes us who we are is our people. We share behaviours and values to ensure Xtrac remain world class and have a culture that delivers

We are…

Passionate

Accountable

Collaborative

Externally Focused

Yearn to Learn

If you're looking for an exciting new opportunity, you could be just what Xtrac are looking for.

DEI Statement

Xtrac believe that diversity is not only a fundamental value but also a key driver of innovation, growth and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including to but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion disability and veteran status. We recognise that diverse teams are more creative, collaborative and effective in solving complex problems and driving positive change.

Xtrac are dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We actively promote diversity and inclusion through recruitment, training and development, and advancement opportunities for all employees. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we not only strengthen our organisation but also enrich the experience of our employees and the communities we serve.

Join us at Xtrac and be part of a diverse and inclusive team that values and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual. Together we will drive innovation, excellence and success.For more detail, salary and company information, use the apply link

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