Company Overview: We are a leading SME specialising in the design and manufacture of advanced Fire and Safety Systems for the motorsport industry and the MOD. Our innovative solutions ensure the highest levels of safety and performance for our clients, ranging from amateur racers to professional Motorsport teams.
Job Summary: The Production Planner will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring the manufacturing schedules to ensure production targets and customer orders are met and delivered efficiently and cost-effectively. The role involves working closely with various departments, including procurement, production, and engineering, to ensure smooth operations, high-quality output, and timely delivery of products.
Key Responsibilities:
Production Planning & Scheduling:
* Develop and maintain detailed production schedules to meet customer demand and company volume targets while optimising resources, capacity, and lead times.
* Monitor and adjust production plans based on changes in customer requirements, availability of materials, or production capacity.
* Ensure all planned production activities are within the company’s operational capacity and capabilities.
1.
Materials Management:
* Work with the procurement team to ensure the timely availability of materials required for production.
* Track inventory levels and work with procurement on stock reordering and inventory management to prevent shortages or overstocking.
2.
Capacity & Resource Management:
* Assess resource availability, including equipment, manpower, and materials, and adjust production schedules as needed.
* Liaise with the production team to ensure that production resources (labour, equipment, etc.) are used effectively and in line with the plan.
Production Monitoring:
* Monitor the progress of production activities to ensure they are completed on time and to the required quality standards.
* Address any production delays or disruptions quickly by working with the production team to find solutions.
Communication & Reporting:
* Communicate regularly with management, engineers, and other teams to ensure alignment with production goals and any changes to plans.
* Provide regular reports on production status, delivery timelines, and any issues affecting production schedules.
Continuous Improvement:
* Identify areas for process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure that production goals are met cost-effectively.
* Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives and suggest process improvements.
Compliance & Health & Safety:
* Ensure that production planning activities comply with relevant health and safety regulations, as well as quality standards.
* Work with the Quality Assurance team to maintain high-quality standards throughout the production process.
Qualifications & Experience:
* A relevant qualification in manufacturing, engineering, or business management is preferred (e.g., HNC/HND in Manufacturing, Engineering, or Business).
* Proven experience as a production planner or in a similar role within an engineering/manufacturing environment.
* Experience with production planning software and ERP systems. Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects, and maintain accuracy.
* Strong knowledge of production planning and scheduling techniques.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills.
* Good problem-solving abilities, with the ability to identify production issues and implement solutions.
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with various teams and departments.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, etc.) and experience with production management software.
Personal Attributes:
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
* Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
* Proactive, with a continuous improvement mindset.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Benefits:
* Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
* Employer pension contributions.
* Opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing manufacturing environment.