At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and manage production schedules in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a government client with a commitment to innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, potential for contract extension, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and guaranteed interviews for veterans and candidates with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in production planning while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and a background in precision engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 31.79 £ per hour.
We are currently looking for a Production Planner for our government client. This Production Planner role is full time on site in Reading, 5 days per week. The contract for this Production Planner position is until 31/12/27, with potential to extend, operating inside IR35.
Security Clearance: Developed Vetting ("DV Clearance")
Essential Skills / Experience required:
- Proven experience in production planning within a manufacturing or precision engineering environment.
- Engineering background (Precision Engineering/Mechanical or Manufacturing) with a strong understanding of machining processes, manufacturing routes, and shop floor operations.
- Experience managing material availability, supplier deliveries, purchase orders, and production schedules, with the ability to reforecast plans in response to supply chain changes.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across supply chain, operations, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and customer-facing functions.
- Good computer literacy and planning/reporting skills, with experience tracking production performance, analysing forecasts, and delivering accurate updates to internal and external stakeholders.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in SAP and ERP systems.
Role / Responsibilities:
- Provide Production Planning services, encompassing Manufacturing and Science demand across Operational Delivery Units.
- Support the maintenance of the Master Production Schedule/supplementary schedule and ensure forecast dates are accurate.
- Detail plan methods of manufacture in response to tasking requirements with full regard to time, cost, and quality.
- Ensure local MRP system is updated and accurate.
- Demonstrate and use 'Lean Planning' techniques and 'Production Control' processes such as visual management, Kanban, and Push/Pull in the operational/manufacturing areas.
- Proactively tackle blocks and barriers to progress.
- Attend Visual Management board meetings ensuring all actions are being addressed.
- Liaise with Delivery Units for clarification and coordination of balanced and de-conflicted demands and plans.
- Support the creation and maintenance of Basis of Estimate with Production costs and schedules.
- Ensure all planned requirements are aligned within the Master Production Schedule/Supplementary Schedule and loaded into the local MRP system.
- Liaise with other functions within the technology centres for clarification and coordination of balanced and de-conflicted production demands and plans.
- Update and report on Key Performance indicators as required.
- Adopt a 'See It, Own It, Solve It' mind-set, by identifying obstacles to success and taking ownership to find solutions to those problems.
If you are interested in the above role, please click Apply Now and send a CV for quick review.
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Circle and our Client guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
Our client is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, they guarantee to interview all veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where they have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, they will interview the best candidates from within that group.
If you qualify, please notify us on igs [at] circlerecruitment [dot] com. We will be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your guaranteed interview. Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a better way for us to communicate, please do let us know.
Production Planner employer: Circle Recruitment
As a fully remote employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that empowers our Talent Acquisition Lead to thrive. With competitive salaries, unlimited annual leave, and the opportunity to shape a high-calibre technical team in a fast-growing startup environment, we offer unparalleled growth opportunities and a supportive atmosphere for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner
✨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 Circle Recruitment, 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 Production Planner
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 Circle Recruitment 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 Circle Recruitment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Circle Recruitment, 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 Circle Recruitment 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.
