Planning and Inventory Lead

Planning and Inventory Lead – Engineering & Manufacturing Progression to Operations Manager

Portsmouth £Competitive Benefits Clear Career Progression

Are you a materials or supply chain professional with a passion for planning, systems, and operational excellence?

We’re hiring for a Planning and Inventory Lead to join a leading engineering and manufacturing business based in Portsmouth. This is a hands-on, strategically vital role for someone ready to own planning, materials management and logistics – while driving continuous improvement across the site.

Most importantly, this role comes with a defined progression plan into an Operations Manager position within 12–18 months.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Implement and refine MRP/ERP planning processes, transitioning manual planning into system-driven workflows

• Lead production planning, inventory control, and logistics, ensuring materials availability aligns with production schedules

• Analyse data to drive forecasting, cost optimisation, and improved delivery performance

• Drive improvements in demand planning, stock accuracy, and production readiness

• Ensure all goods in/out operations meet commercial and compliance standards (export, customs, CofC)

• Collaborate with supply chain and customer service to ensure seamless order fulfilment

• Provide leadership to a small but capable team, setting goals, coaching, and growing talent

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a manufacturing/engineering environment – ideally in a high-reliability or technical product setting

• Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems – with experience improving planning and inventory processes

• Confident in demand forecasting, analytics, and translating data into actions

• A natural problem solver and process improver – with a hands-on attitude across production, planning, and logistics

• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams with energy and clarity

• Experience working to ISO9001/AS9100 standards would be highly desirable

Why Join?

• Be the key driver of change as the business transitions its planning and materials control

• Join a forward-thinking and growing engineering business

• Work in a collaborative team, with support from senior leadership

• Defined career pathway into Operations Manager role within 12–18 months

• Competitive salary, bonus scheme, private healthcare, and more

If you’re looking for a role where you can roll up your sleeves, build smarter processes, and grow into a senior operational leader, this is your opportunity.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.