Planning Engineer

Planning Engineer

Location: Crewe
Contract: Until 23rd December 2025
35 hours per week – 4 days on-site (flexible on days)

Overview of the Role:

We are seeking a Planning Engineer to support the manufacturing operations of the Seat, Trim & Build – SUV Platform, ensuring seamless production processes from pre-series through to series production and end-of-production (EOP). This role requires expertise in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), jigs, fixtures, and tooling, change management, status reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.

The successful candidate will work closely with multiple departments to identify and resolve manufacturing feasibility concerns, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, IATF16949, and VW Standards. While experience in automotive manufacturing is preferred, candidates with aerospace experience will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technical Responsibilities:

• Ensure Manufacturing Feasibility is evaluated in line with PEP (Product Emergence Process).
• Deliver APQP processes to ensure quality standards and audit compliance.
• Provide manufacturing sign-off for Bid Specifications and B-Release approvals.
• Identify Facility, Jig, Fixture, and Tooling requirements for production.
• Develop and refine equipment and process settings/parameters.
• Implement engineering changes effectively within assigned manufacturing zones.
• Lead issue resolution related to feasibility, process, build concerns, fixtures, and tools, using appropriate problem-solving techniques.
• Manage permits and concessions as part of regulatory compliance.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge base through benchmarking, training, and liaison with Group colleagues.

2. Financial Responsibilities:

• Ensure processes are delivered within budget targets.
• Manage and mitigate cost risks.
• Support justification for Capital Expenditure Investment.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives to reduce operational expenses.
• Support process improvement workshops to meet production time targets.

3. Planning & Coordination:

• Analyse and respond to business requirements, engineering changes, and technical documentation (e.g., TCD, AEKO/ECR).
• Develop milestone deliverables and monitor detailed project plans.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Logistics, Production, and Facilities to ensure efficiency.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to influence product and process changes.
• Work alongside Mulliner to support bespoke vehicle production.
• Conduct analysis of technology measurements and controls to drive improvements.

4. Project Management:

• Deliver projects in line with business requirements for quality, cost, and timing, ensuring alignment with PEP.
• Identify and mitigate project risks proactively.
• Maintain key performance metrics, coordinating activities to resolve concerns and meet technology targets.

5. Continuous Improvement & Local Responsibilities:

• Support continuous development of production times through process refinement.
• Identify and define facility requirements for product-related investments.
• Lead project-specific activities, with responsibility for budgets up to €1M.

Essential Skills and Experience:

To be considered for the Planning Engineer role, candidates must demonstrate expertise in the following areas:

• APQP (Advanced Production Quality Planning) – Strong experience in quality planning methodologies and audit compliance.
• Jig, Fixtures, and Tooling Experience – Hands-on knowledge of manufacturing tooling and fixture design.
• Change Management – Proven ability to implement and oversee engineering changes efficiently.
• Status Reporting – Experience in tracking project progress, KPI management, and stakeholder reporting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Ability to work effectively across multiple departments to drive improvements.