Production Planner / Buyer (TP48072) Milton Keynes, England
Salary: GBP38000 - GBP44000 per annum
Position: Production Planner / Buyer
Location: Milton Keynes
Production Planner / Buyer required. Our client is a well-established manufacturing business specialising in sheet metalwork, fabrication and subcontract manufacturing, seeking a proactive and commercially minded Production Planner / Buyer to join the team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional to take ownership of production planning, material purchasing and supplier management within a busy subcontract manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring materials are available, production runs efficiently and customer orders are delivered on time.
Production Planner / Buyer Position Overview
- Purchasing sheet metal, components, fixings and consumables to meet production requirements while controlling costs and stock levels.
- Supporting quality investigations, audits, corrective actions and the development of quality Planning and scheduling manufacturing jobs, balancing customer delivery dates with machine capacity, labour availability and material lead times.
- Obtaining supplier quotations, placing purchase orders, negotiating pricing and lead times, and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Coordinating subcontract processes, including machining, plating and other specialist finishing operations.
- Monitoring work in progress, identifying potential bottlenecks and proactively resolving issues that could affect production schedules and delivery dates.
- Expediting outstanding materials and subcontract work to ensure jobs progress through the factory without unnecessary delays.
- Working closely with Production, Sales, Engineering and external suppliers to maintain accurate schedules and provide reliable delivery information.
- Reading and interpreting engineering drawings to identify material, component and manufacturing requirements.
- Identifying opportunities to improve production flow, reduce lead times, minimise material waste and improve on-time delivery.
- Taking ownership of jobs from start to finish, ensuring production and purchasing activities remain aligned with customer requirements.
Production Planner / Buyer Position Requirements
- Previous experience in production planning and purchasing within a manufacturing environment.
- Ideally, a background in sheet metalwork, fabrication or engineering subcontract manufacturing.
- A good understanding of manufacturing processes, including laser cutting, CNC folding, welding, fabrication and assembly.
- Experience purchasing sheet materials and managing supplier and subcontractor lead times.
- The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and understand material and component requirements.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to liaise with production teams, suppliers and other departments.
- A commercially aware approach to purchasing, with an understanding of cost control, stock management and delivery performance.
- A proactive, practical approach to problem-solving, with a strong sense of ownership and a focus on continuous improvement.
Production Planner / Buyer Position Remuneration
- Salary of £38,000 - £44,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Opportunity to join an established manufacturing business with a supportive and team-focused working environment.
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Production Planner / Buyer in Milton Keynes employer: Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading engineering manufacturer in Haywards Heath, where your role as a Business Development Manager will be supported by a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. With competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and the flexibility of hybrid working, this company prioritises employee growth and well-being, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in the manufacturing sector.
Contact Details:
Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner / Buyer in Milton Keynes
✨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 Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd, 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 Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd 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 Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd, 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 Bennett & Game Recruitment Ltd 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.
