What is the job? The ideal candidate will join the Motion Control team on a Fixed Term Contract for 3 months. We require ideally, someone who has experience in planning production operations with ERP/MRP systems to help Ensure uninterrupted and on-time supply of manufactured items to warehouses and customers by scheduling production plans that match capacity and demand. Work closely with Production teams to meet shipping deadlines and achieve minimum stock targets. Working Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 – 16:30 What is essential to us… · Previous Planning, Inventory Controller, or other Supply Chain related experience preferred · Effective communicator with excellent written and verbal skills · Works well within a multidisciplinary and diverse team/setting · Ability to handle large Microsoft Excel-based data sets reliably · Detail oriented and works in a structured and organised manner · A positive approach to continuous improvement activities · A flexible approach to work requests – prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done · Able to work collaboratively with Stores, Production, Inspection, and Packing teams to ensure uninterrupted flow of goods to meet requested delivery dates Who we are? Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line. Where you will be working? Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station. This role is full time onsite. Requirements What we would like you to do/ to see… Production Flow Support: · Generate and maintain an achievable production plan in order to meet promised delivery dates, matching MRP demand with works orders based on stock availability and capacity · Attend daily review meetings with Production team leaders and respond to any planning-related throughput issues by identifying ways to continuously improve planning processes · Step in for team leaders that are unavailable by overseeing the release of production work · Manage planning related ERP settings to ensure they are correct · Respond to Lead Time & Delivery Update requests from worldwide sales groups in a timely manner · Analyse KPI reports (late orders, open works orders, zero stock) with the aim of identifying opportunities for continuous improvement · Actively contribute to new methods and strategies that improve efficiency and productivity · Apply problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives that follow PDCA or lean principles · Follow departmental procedures and standardised work, and proactively contribute to updating them as needed What will you get? At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment. And the benefits are? Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays. Job Reference: THOR-VC-1065 This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old. This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position. Benefits -Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more. Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitmentthorlabs.com. In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.