At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the planning team in coordinating production schedules and managing inventory.
- Company: Join Blatchford, a global leader in advanced prosthetic technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, early finishes, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a unique and award-winning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team focused on improving mobility solutions.
- Qualifications: GCSEs including maths and English, strong organisational skills, and Excel knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Blatchford is a multi-award winning, global manufacturer of some of the world's most advanced prosthetic technology, bespoke seating solutions and orthotic devices. Our evidence-based approach and commitment to continuously challenge possibilities ensures our mobility solutions prioritise the wellbeing and long-term health of our users. Through science, technology, and maintaining a clear focus on people, we make mobility possible.
We are growing and have recently opened a brand new manufacturing facility in Basingstoke. We have an exciting opportunity for a Junior Planner to join our planning team.
The role:
- Support the planning team in coordinating production schedules, managing inventory accuracy, and ensuring smooth flow of materials and information through the business.
Key duties and responsibilities:
- Creating, updating, and maintaining job orders/work orders in the planning system.
- Ensuring all bill of materials (BOM), routings, and labour steps are entered correctly.
- Tracking progress of job orders and flagging delays or discrepancies to Senior planner.
- Supporting capacity planning by maintaining accurate production timelines and resource availability.
- Raising, maintaining, and tracking transfer orders between warehouses, production locations, and departments.
- Communicating with Warehouse/Logistics teams to ensure timely picking, dispatch, and receipt of materials.
- Monitoring open transfer orders and follow up on overdue or incomplete movements.
- Reconciling transfer order variances and investigate discrepancies.
- Updating system records following adjustments, scrap, or rework decisions.
- Entering and maintaining planning-related data in ERP/MRP systems.
- Preparing regular reports for Planning, Production, Finance, and Procurement teams.
- Ensuring accurate documentation of product codes, BOM changes, and SKU attributes.
- Supporting data clean-up initiatives (e.g., standardising item descriptions, updating supplier lead times).
What are we looking for?
As Junior Planner, you will have the following key skills:
- GCSE's (or equivalent) including maths and English.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Good working knowledge of Excel and ability to learn ERP/MRP systems.
- Comfortable handling data, numbers, and structured processes.
- Excellent communication skills across departments.
- Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and adapt to changing deadlines.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
What can we offer you?
Benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- 25 days holiday (rising with service).
- Option to purchase additional annual leave.
- Early Friday finish.
- Pension.
- Discounted shopping and leisure activities.
- On demand pay.
- Health cash plan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- SmartTech scheme.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work as part of a dynamic team, within a unique environment and contribute to the success of our award-winning organisation. If you feel like you meet the above criteria for this exciting Junior Planner opportunity, then please apply now!
Junior Planner in Basingstoke employer: Blatchford Ltd
Blatchford is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Basingstoke. With a strong focus on employee growth and a culture rooted in innovation and collaboration, we provide competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique benefits like a health cash plan and a cycle to work scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our users through advanced prosthetic technology and quality improvement initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Planner in Basingstoke
✨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 Blatchford 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Planner in Basingstoke
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 Blatchford 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 Blatchford Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Blatchford 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 Blatchford 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.
