Location
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, AE
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About the Job
As an Operations Planning Lead at the company, a leading regional and international defense company specializing in next-generation weapons systems and robotics, you will play a vital role in managing and optimizing the planning, scheduling, and coordination of all operational activities. This role ensures that Demand, Production, and Material Planning functions operate at the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness. You will collaborate with Program Management, Supply Chain, Production, and Finance teams to enable smooth operations, optimal resource utilization, and timely delivery of products and services.
Key Accountabilities
- Develop, implement, and manage detailed operational plans to support timely production and delivery of products, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and business requirements.
- Collaborate with Program, Engineering, Procurement, Logistics, and Quality Assurance teams to integrate production and project schedules and optimize resource utilization, including mitigation planning where required.
- Oversee demand forecasting for projects, including materials, labor, and production resources, ensuring sufficient capacity to meet timelines.
- Prepare materials and data for monthly Demand and Operations Planning meetings to facilitate resource allocation decisions.
- Serve as the primary liaison between Program, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing departments.
- Ensure ERP systems (SAP APO/IBP) provide accurate real-time data to support demand fulfillment.
- Align business units with the Master Production Plan to maintain accurate material resource planning (MRP).
- Identify operational risks, including potential supply chain disruptions, and implement contingency plans to maintain project continuity.
- Maintain high-quality, consistent master data to streamline business processes including Plan-to-Produce, Lead-to-Cash, Source-to-Pay, and Design-to-Operate.
- Manage inventory to ensure all components, materials, and subassemblies are available for production, coordinating logistics and delivery schedules.
- Compile and report monthly KPIs using system data across departments.
- Promote lean manufacturing practices, process improvements, and cost-reduction initiatives across operations and supply chain workflows.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Requirements
- 20–25 years in operations planning and scheduling across multiple projects, with a proven track record of delivering results.
- Hands-on experience with MRP systems and SAP (preferably SAP APO/IBP).
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Master’s degree preferred).
Preferred
- 15+ years of industry and regional experience in operations planning and scheduling multiple projects.
- Deep expertise in Demand and Operations Planning within a manufacturing or defense environment.
