Production Planner
Skelmersdale
£36,000 to £42,000 + Benefits
Cast UK are delighted to be partnering an established and growing UK manufacturer, in their recruitment of a Production Planner to join the team. You'll take ownership of production planning across a varied, project-led manufacturing operation, balancing customer requirements with materials, labour and machine capacity to create realistic and achievable production schedules.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Production Planner looking to take ownership of a key operational function, joining a specialist manufacturing business where planning accuracy, visibility and effective communication are critical. The role will initially focus on improving control and visibility across existing manual and Excel-based processes, before playing a key role in the transition to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and maintain the rolling production plan, initially across a 15-working-day horizon.
- Translate customer requirements and approved manufacturing work into realistic daily and weekly production schedules.
- Balance production requirements across labour, machine capacity, material availability and customer delivery dates.
- Identify bottlenecks, capacity constraints, material shortages and delivery risks at an early stage.
- Work closely with Production, Technical, Purchasing and Stores to agree practical solutions and recovery actions.
- Monitor progress against plan and make controlled adjustments when priorities or constraints change.
- Provide clear visibility of production priorities, exceptions and required decisions to senior management and shop-floor supervisors.
- Improve the structure, accuracy and usability of existing Excel-based planning tools and reports.
- Support the definition, cleansing and validation of planning data for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
- Work with internal teams and the implementation partner to validate work centres, calendars, routings, lead times and planning parameters.
- Become the principal production-planning user of Business Central and support the successful adoption of the new planning process.
- Support continuous improvement across production flow, work-in-progress control and communication between departments.
Key Skills & Experience
- At least three years' experience within production planning, production control, manufacturing scheduling or a closely related role.
- Good understanding of multi-stage manufacturing, production routings, capacity, material availability and works orders.
- Experience using an ERP or MRP system within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills, with the ability to organise, analyse and present operational data accurately.
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and changing requirements.
- Confident communicating with operators, supervisors, departmental managers and senior stakeholders.
- Ability to make evidence-based decisions and challenge unrealistic dates constructively.
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Production Planner in Skelmersdale employer: Cast UK Limited
Cast UK Limited is an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in the dynamic world of logistics. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and autonomy. Located in Greater London, the company offers competitive salaries and commission structures, making it an attractive place for ambitious professionals eager to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Skelmersdale
✨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 Cast UK Limited, 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 Cast UK Limited 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 Cast UK Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Cast UK Limited, 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 Cast UK Limited 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.
