Head of Planning

Head of Planning – Supply, Aerospace Procurement

Full Time - Hybrid working

Derby/Bristol

Why join Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

We are seeking a senior supply chain leader to define and lead Aerospace Procurement Supply Planning strategy. This role will ensure our supply chains are resilient, rate-ready, and able to support current and future customer commitments in a complex aerospace environment.

You will shape the strategic framework, governance, and planning discipline that enable Procurement to manage risk, support growth and deliver for our customers. You will build the insight and long-term planning capability that underpins operational excellence across the business.

Key Accountabilities

• Own the Supply Planning strategy, standards, governance, and operating model

• Set planning fundamentals across the business, including supply planning, lot sizing, buffer strategy, and planning rules

• Define and monitor core health metrics for Procurement and Supply Planning performance

• Build supply plans for all suppliers and commodities, selecting the right planning approach for each

• Lead planning for production rate increases and decreases, assessing capability, risks, and mitigation actions

• Identify and address single points of failure across the supply base, strengthening resilience and continuity

• Develop and apply planning tools to enable the supplier management teams.  Produce executive dashboards and management information covering supply plans, risks, opportunities, and business readiness

• Provide Procurement with medium- and long-term scenarios, including risks, opportunities, and capacity constraints

• Coordinate planning with key customers, including Airbus and other OEMs, to align demand and supply capability

• Ensure supply chains are designed and maintained to support current and future production rates and customer commitments

• Drive continuous improvement through process improvement, digital capability, analytics, and cross-functional collaboration

• Build capability through talent development, succession planning, and leadership pipeline development

Key Experiences and Qualifications

You are a seasoned supply chain leader who can turn complex operational challenges into robust planning strategies. You combine strong analytical capability with executive presence and the ability to influence across Procurement, Manufacturing, Aftermarket and senior leadership.

• Extensive experience in Supply Planning, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP/SIOP), Supply Chain Strategy, or Procurement in complex manufacturing, ideally aerospace or other regulated industries

• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain planning, inventory optimisation, supplier capacity planning, and risk management

• Proven track record of leading supply chain transformation and implementing governance across multiple business units

• Expertise in scenario planning, demand and capacity modelling, and production rate readiness

• Experience managing supplier risk, resilience, business continuity, and supply chain performance

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to senior leaders

• A data-driven approach with experience in management information, KPIs, dashboards, and planning analytics

• Proven leadership in developing high-performing teams and continuous improvement cultures

Regional Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave

• Retirement Savings through the Rolls-Royce Retirement Savings Trust

• Group Life Assurance provides for a lump sum benefit if you die whilst employed by Rolls-Royce

• Group Income Protection provides an income in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury

• Your Shares: Matched is a simple way to own Rolls-Royce shares and invest in our future, together. Buy one share, get one free!

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk. The professional level and salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

This job is advertised at the grades shown, and this is the desired operating level for this role. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience from any grade.

It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role.  

Grade: Management Level B

For more information, please contact: Alison Connaughton [email protected]

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.