Director of Manufacturing Operations Planning

Director of Manufacturing Operations Planning

Location: Billingham UK

Join us as Director of Manufacturing Operations Planning and lead the integrated planning and finite scheduling of our microbial and mammalian biologics operations. You will own the site Master Production Schedule (MPS), synchronise production with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain, and align plans with S&OP and financial targets - ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable delivery for our customers.

The impact you’ll make

Develop and maintain finite schedules for USP/DSP suites, sequencing campaigns, changeovers, cleaning/sterilisation, and labour to meet cGMP, EHS, and customer timelines.

Integrate preventive maintenance, calibrations, work orders, and shutdowns into the production plan to minimise downtime and protect asset reliability.

Align MRP and inventory strategies with manufacturing plans; partner with Supply Chain to mitigate material risks and ensure availability of critical raw materials and consumables.

Build and maintain capacity models (equipment, suites, labour, utilities) and perform scenario/what ‑ if analysis to resolve constraints and optimise throughput.

Establish and chair cross-functional planning governance (weekly planning and tier meetings) with Manufacturing, MSAT/Tech Ops, Engineering, Quality, Programme Management, and Supply Chain.

Own planning master data and parameters (routings, lead times, BOMs) and ensure data integrity that underpins accurate planning and analytics.

Partner with Finance and Programme Management on risk ‑ adjusted forecasts, budget inputs, and profitability analysis; support customer and regulatory audits.

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Manufacturing Operations Planning team; build capability in planning, finite scheduling, governance, and data proficiency.

What you’ll bring

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Supply Chain, or related field.

Proven expertise in integrated operations planning, finite scheduling, and capacity modelling in multi-suite environments.

Strong command of S&OP, MPS/MRP, maintenance/shutdown planning, and cross-functional governance.

Demonstrated people leadership with a track record of building and developing planning teams.

Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills; able to influence and drive decisions across shop-floor to executive levels.

Deep knowledge of cGMP, EHS, and biologics manufacturing in multi-suite operations; comfortable making decisions under ambiguity and leading change.

Why join us

Lead site-wide planning strategy with substantial autonomy and visible impact.

Shape capacity investments and utilisation across cutting-edge microbial and mammalian platforms.

Collaborate cross-functionally to enable reliable, compliant delivery for patients and customers.

Competitive salary, with 35 days holiday (Not including Public Holidays), annual incentive plan and up earn up to 21% on your pension.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.