Roke
Head of Planning and Subcontract Manufacturing
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Head of Planning and Subcontract Manufacturing
Senior Production Planner & Supply Chain Lead
About Roke and the Mission
Great ideas come from different minds. That’s why Roke brings together engineers, scientists, analysts, and creatives from every background—giving them the trust, tools, and freedom to make a difference. What connects us is the mission: solving meaningful problems and building capability that protects what matters most.
Any expertise gained here doesn’t just help us today—it shapes the technologies of tomorrow.
About Roke
Roke is a world-class technology and engineering consultancy. We deliver advanced research, development services, and products to high-profile customers, tackling varied and challenging problems.
You will be the primary point of contact for planning the manufacture of our products. Your role includes:
- Liaising with cross-departmental stakeholders to understand manufacturing needs
- Undertaking materials planning to ensure materials reach production on time
- Managing work in progress (WIP), inventory, stock takes, and issuing production documents
Primary Job Purpose
- Ensure all customer product orders are delivered On-Time-In-Full (OTIF)
- Plan workload, materials, and equipment/tooling for all build demands
- Raise external requirements for subcontractors and suppliers, and liaise with them to achieve OTIF delivery
- Liaise with Sales and Programme Management to ensure production plans are communicated across the business
- Liaise with Supply Chain and Engineering to guarantee materials plans are in place
- Negotiate supplier deals and manage expectations
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Key Responsibilities
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Order Execution and Planning
- Interpret ERP/MRP requirements, review order recommendations, and drive order placement
- Work with Supply Chain to ensure purchase requisitions are raised timely and materials are delivered on time
- Monitor job status and performance, collaborate with procurement and production teams, and drive mitigations
- Liaise proactively with suppliers to identify and mitigate issues early
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Team Coordination & Reporting
- Work closely with teams to provide regular project updates, stock/order information, and improvement opportunities
- Ensure Engineering teams comply with relevant change notices and current build status
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Finance & Inventory Management
- Liaise with Finance for end-of-month cycle counts, WIP reporting, and material audits
- Maximise investments by effectively managing inventory and working capital
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Capacity & Resilience Planning
- Plan and manage internal and subcontractor capacity
- Develop and maintain supply chain resilience plans
- Drive ERP/MRP tool usage to underpin planning processes
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Compliance & People Development
- Ensure full compliance with Roke’s policies and procedures
- Lead a team of production planners and subcontract managers, focusing on talent development
- Drive continuous improvement and collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Supply Chain to implement supplier improvement plans
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Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
- Degree qualified (preferably)
- CPIM Certification holds significant advantage
- Strong computer-based literacy
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
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Extensive experience as Head of Planning in a manufacturing environment
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Experience in electronics and electromechanical assembly (advantageous)
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Familiarity with MRP tools (specifically IFS as a bonus)
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Excellent communication skills, including experience engaging with senior executives
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Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing Tools and Techniques
Personal Attributes, Values & Competencies
- Strong leadership skills
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Self-motivated and proactively seek solutions
- Problem-solving mindset
- Commitment to driving continuous improvement
Why Join Roke?
- Competitive salary with additional flexible benefits, including:
- Health and Wellbeing support
- Savings and Protection plans
- Access to life, leisure, and entertainment opportunities
- Nurtured and inclusive professional community that values:
- Equal Opportunity
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Support for a diverse workforce and accommodation for additional needs
- Security Clearance eligibility (SC) due to nature of role
- The freedom to shape tomorrow’s technology today
The Next Step
Apply now! Submit your most recent up-to-date CV to join us. Take a closer look at Roke here. We look forward to hearing from you.
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