Associate Planner

Annual salary: Salary discussed on application

The post holder will be responsible for maintaining an accurate production plan and schedule for an assigned area. The role translates customer demand into an executable plan, manages routine planning activities independently, monitors performance and takes timely action to resolve issues. The postholder works directly with Operations, Programme Management and Supply Chain, escalating significant risks or decisions outside agreed parameters to the Planning Manager.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain the production plan and schedule for an assigned area within agreed parameters
• Review customer demand and independently update planning data, order priorities and relevant master data within the MRP system.
• Monitor production performance against the plan, investigate variances and coordinate appropriate recovery actions with relevant stakeholders.
• Complete capacity and work-in-progress reviews, identifying constraints and recommending practical planning actions.
• Act as the day-to-day planning contact for the assigned plan and area, working directly with Operations, Programme Management, Supply Chain and other functions to support delivery commitments.
• Produce and communicate accurate planning reports, trackers, priorities and plan updates within agreed timescales.
• Make routine planning decisions within defined authority and promptly escalate significant delivery, capacity or customer risks.
• Identify and implement improvements to planning data, reports and processes, seeking approval where changes affect wider business activity.
• Follow all company procedures and ensure health, safety, quality and compliance requirements are met at all times.

Reward

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus (linked to company performance)
• 33 days annual leave (Increase after 5 years' service)
• 37.5 hours per week
• Flexi time working
• £5,000 employee referral bonus
• Health cash plan
• Contributory Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Electric Car Scheme - Salary Sacrifice
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme at x4 gross salary
• Competitive enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• IVF & Assisted Conception Policy
• Women in Business - Corporate Member
• Wellbeing Initiatives
• Employee Recognition scheme
• Service Awards
• Local charity / sponsorship activities
• Dedicated employee parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career progression

Requirements

Essential

• Previous experience in manufacturing, planning, supply chain, administration or data analysis
• Understanding of production, supply chain and planning principles, with the ability to develop proficiency in MRP and ERP systems
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with the ability to interpret data, maintain accurate records and produce routine reports.
• Understanding of the importance of schedule adherence, data accuracy, customer delivery, quality and health and safety within a manufacturing environment
• Well organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to take ownership of an assigned workload.
• Good numerical and analytical skills, with the confidence to investigate issues and recommend actions.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide concise planning updates and escalate risks appropriately.

Desirable

• A qualification in business, manufacturing, supply chain, engineering or a related discipline
• Educated to GCSE level, grades A*–C/9–4, or equivalent, including Maths and English.

We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting.

Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.

The closing date for applications is the 25th October 2026 at 17:00.

For further infomation contact [email protected]