Job Title: Production Planner
Location: Fradley, Staffordshire, UK
Contract & Hours: Permanent, 40‑hour week, Monday to Friday
Package includes: a starting salary from £30,000, a performance‑related bonus scheme, a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and reward your impact, and a matched pension contribution of up to 10%.
Visa sponsorship: Please note that we are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
We are looking for a Production Planner to join our team, responsible for building and managing detailed production schedules that keep our operations running efficiently and on time. You will play a key role in balancing demand, capacity and resources across multiple production lines, ensuring we meet customer needs while maximising throughput and minimising waste.
This is a hands‑on, fast‑paced role where you will work closely with colleagues across operations, procurement and customer services, constantly reviewing and adapting plans to keep things moving smoothly.
Responsibilities
- Developing and maintaining production schedules based on forecasts, stock requirements and customer orders
- Working closely with procurement, stock control and manufacturing teams to ensure materials and resources are available when needed
- Monitoring production progress and adjusting plans to meet deadlines and resolve any issues or bottlenecks
- Analysing capacity and workload to optimise output and ensure an even spread across production lines
- Supporting cross‑site planning, including balancing workloads and maintaining consistent lead times
- Recording and tracking production data, including output, delays and resource usage
- Communicating schedule changes, priorities and risks to key stakeholders
- Managing urgent orders and understanding their impact on capacity and delivery timelines
- Reporting overages and identifying actions to reduce waste
- Supporting stock takes and ensuring stock accuracy across the warehouse and systems
- Resolving system or journal errors to support accurate stock availability
Qualifications
- Experience in production planning, scheduling or supply chain roles
- Good understanding of manufacturing processes and resource planning
- Strong Excel skills and confidence using planning or ERP/MRP systems
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Clear and confident communication, with the ability to work across teams
- Comfortable working with data and using it to make decisions
Additional Information
- 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Occasional weekend working required
- Bank holiday working required (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)
- Holiday must be coordinated with team members
- Travel between Rugeley and Fradley Park is essential
We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to ensuring our application and recruitment processes work for everyone. If you need any additional support (e.g., alternative formats for your application, a support dog in the offices, a sign language interpreter) please let us know.
Employer holds an Equality Act commitment and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Peterborough
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like ABAgri, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to ABAgri specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABAgri
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with ABAgri, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like ABAgri value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
