Factory Planner

Company Description

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

Job Description

We are looking for a Factory Planner to join our manufacturing operations team. This role is responsible for production planning, inventory management, capacity planning, and ensuring on-time delivery of customer orders. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Supply Chain, Logistics, Sales, and Regional teams to optimize factory resources, maintain inventory health, and support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage production schedules based on customer orders, demand forecasts, inventory levels, and capacity requirements.
• Own and maintain the 13-week Master Production Schedule (MPS), including production plans, safety stock requirements, lead time commitments, and capacity planning.
• Monitor and adjust schedules to accommodate changes in demand, material availability, supply chain constraints, and production disruptions.
• Manage Available-to-Promise (ATP) commitments and release kitting plans to support material and shipment planning.
• Ensure timely conversion of planned orders for machines and accessories.
• Maintain forecast accuracy in SAP and support Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.

Inventory & Materials Management

• Monitor Work-in-Progress (WIP) and Finished Goods inventory.
• Collaborate with Material Planning, Production, and Logistics teams to ensure material availability and efficient inventory flow.
• Drive inventory optimization while minimizing excess stock and obsolescence.

Capacity Planning & Production Optimization

• Analyze production performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and resource utilization.
• Balance demand, materials, and manufacturing capacity to meet customer commitments.
• Resolve planning conflicts, production bottlenecks, and scheduling challenges.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Sales, Production, Shipping, and Regional teams to ensure alignment on order commitments and delivery schedules.
• Lead regular reviews on customer orders, shipment plans, and production status.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and 3PL partners to ensure seamless execution of production plans.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Prepare and maintain operational reports and planning dashboards.
• Monitor and report on key metrics including:
  • Schedule Adherence
  • Order Cycle Time
  • OTTR / OTTP / OTD Performance
  • Order Lead Time
  • Capacity Utilization
  • Finished Goods Inventory
  • Backorders
  • Aging Production Orders
  • Revenue Reviews
  • Master Production Schedule Performance
• Provide recommendations to improve planning effectiveness and productivity.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• APICS certification is preferred.
• MBA or additional business qualifications are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Production Planning, Factory Planning, Supply Chain Planning, or a related role within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems, preferably SAP.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, demand planning, and capacity planning.
• Well-organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.