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- Tasks: Lead and develop the planning team to optimise production scheduling and resource management.
- Company: A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation in Pickering, North Yorkshire.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, flexi-time, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in production planning with leadership experience in manufacturing or engineering.
- Other info: Join a team that values technical excellence and offers great career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading engineering and manufacturing organisation near Pickering is seeking a highly capable Senior Production Planner to lead and develop the planning function across operational areas. This is a key site-based role focused on ensuring optimal scheduling, resource planning and inventory management to meet customer delivery expectations. The successful candidate will play a pivotal part in production performance, working cross-functionally with key stakeholders including Production, Engineering, Projects, Sales and Procurement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Planning team, managing day-to-day planning activities
- Collaborate with senior management to align operational planning with strategic goals
- Oversee and direct all Master Scheduling activity, incorporating demand forecasts into production plans
- Generate and maintain daily, weekly and monthly production status reports and dashboards
- Ensure effective MRP system use including maintenance of timing, routings and inventory parameters
- Support procurement processes, change order implementation and resolution of supply issues
- Maintain accurate inventory levels and monitor kit availability, stock thresholds and order increments
- Facilitate communication across departments to ensure visibility and accountability in planning
- Analyse capacity data to align staffing and production output to agreed delivery targets
- Maintain and enhance planning visual management tools to track KPIs and performance trends
- Drive improvements in on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery and overall schedule adherence
- Support new product introduction and R&D planning activities
- Contribute to the organisation’s continuous improvement and lean initiatives
- Develop and monitor planning KPIs and provide data-driven insight to support decision making
- Assess production capacity and identify constraints, supporting load balancing and resource optimisation
- Manage works order creation, maintenance and closure in line with operational needs
Qualifications and Experience
- Essential: Education in a technical or business management discipline
- Proven experience in production planning within a manufacturing or engineering setting
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in MRP/MRP II or ERP-based planning environments
- 5 years of leadership experience in planning or scheduling functions
- Working knowledge of production processes and ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Desirable: Technical training or qualifications in project management
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Navision or similar ERP systems
Key Skills and Competencies
- Strong knowledge of MRP system functionality and planning principles
- Advanced MS Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, vlookups)
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement
- Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels
- Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyse and interpret performance metrics
QHSE Commitment
- Comply with health, safety and environmental policies and procedures
- Maintain responsibility and accountability through professional behaviour
- Report any unsafe acts or conditions to enable timely corrective actions
This is a site-based position offering a great opportunity to shape and lead planning operations in a technically innovative and quality-driven environment. You’ll be part of a team that values reliability, technical excellence and continuous improvement. If you are an experienced production planning professional ready to take on a senior role with influence and impact, we would welcome your application.
Senior Production Planner employer: Cranleigh Scientific
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh Scientific Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Production Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and services, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your achievements and how they relate to the Senior Production Planner role. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Production Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Production Planner role. Highlight your experience in production planning, MRP systems, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your work experience, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. Use numbers and data to demonstrate how you've improved processes or met delivery targets in previous roles. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh Scientific
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your production planning knowledge, especially around MRP systems and inventory management. Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and processes mentioned in the job description, like Microsoft Dynamics Navision, so you can speak confidently about your experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Production Planner, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and communication. Think about times when you drove improvements or resolved conflicts to demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific challenges related to scheduling, resource allocation, or supply chain issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the company's approach to continuous improvement or how they measure success in the planning function. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
