We are currently recruiting for a Senior Production Planner to be responsible for all planning activities, from ensuring the timely arrival of materials, liaising with supply chain, to load and maintain flow of production jobs to align with delivery dates, liaising with production engineering to overcome any engineering/build issues, ensure all the documentation is available for the job to start, provide updates to the business on status of jobs, delivery expectations and any issues preventing on time delivery. Support and maintain a high level of quality.
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role Please ensure you check the overview below carefully.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end production planning using MRP outputs to create and maintain build schedules across multiple jobs, aligned to material availability and capacity
- Release jobs and associated documentation for kitting in line with the agreed production schedule
- Monitor plant loading and capacity utilisation, adjusting plans to optimise labour and resource allocation
- Work with Supply Chain to ensure material availability, resolve shortages and meet cost and delivery targets
- Expedite materials and production orders to mitigate delays and protect delivery commitments
- Own MRP data integrity across BOMs, routing times, lead times and operational steps
- Analyse MRP recommendations to identify shortages and prevent production bottlenecks
- Drive continuous improvement using MES and operational data to reduce waste and improve flow
- Oversee job costing performance, tracking actuals versus standard costs to protect margins
- Own delivery performance against on-time delivery targets, managing risks and recovery actions
- Monitor and report production KPIs including OTD, capacity utilisation and schedule adherence
Essential Skills & Experience
- 5+ years’ experience in production planning or control within a complex manufacturing environment (discrete, process or engineered-to-order)
- Strong hands-on experience using ERP/MRP systems, ideally Epicor Kinetic including Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS)
- Proven ability to develop and manage production schedules aligned to material availability, capacity and delivery demand
- Experience working within electronics manufacturing environments
- Ability to analyse production, capacity and material data to identify constraints and drive planning decisions
- Strong understanding of capacity planning, resource loading and bottleneck management
- Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and make planning decisions under changing conditions
- Experience working cross-functionally with Production, Supply Chain and Engineering to resolve issues and maintain flow
- Strong focus on data accuracy and system discipline within ERP/MRP environments (BOMs, lead times, routings)
- Proven ability to support delivery performance through effective planning, expediting and recovery actions
- Commercial awareness of cost, schedule and impact of planning decisions on delivery performance
Desirable
- Ideally qualified to an ONC/HNC level or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing or Production.
- A background in an engineered to order/build to order production environment is desirable.
- Ability to read engineering drawings is highly advantageous but not essential.
Work Life Balance
- 37.5 hour working week, Lunchtime finishes on a Friday.
- Hybrid / flexible working arrangements.
- 28 days annual leave, Christmas closure, Holiday purchasing scheme.
Security Clearance Requirements
Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years
#J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Planner in Winnersh
✨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 Chess Dynamics, 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 Chess Dynamics 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 Chess Dynamics
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Chess Dynamics, 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 Chess Dynamics 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.
