At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning and optimise processes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Driscoll’s, a purpose-driven organisation with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity to lead critical functions and work with talented colleagues.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering premium-quality berries across Europe.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in production planning; degree in Supply Chain or related field.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
We are looking for a Manufacturing Planning Manager to lead production planning activities within our UK operations. In this highly visible leadership role, you will ensure that manufacturing plans are aligned with customer demand, operational capacity, workforce availability, and material supply. You will work closely with teams across Production, Supply Chain, Transportation, Quality, HR, and Packaging to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about optimizing processes, improving efficiency, and leading teams through change.
Responsibilities
- Create and manage production plans that support customer demand while maximizing operational efficiency.
- Develop and maintain production schedules based on forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity.
- Coordinate workforce planning requirements alongside Shift Managers.
- Monitor production performance and adjust plans to accommodate changing priorities, downtime, material shortages, or urgent customer demands.
- Partner with Packaging and Print Room teams to ensure materials are available and production interruptions are minimized.
- Lead daily production planning meetings and communicate priorities across operational teams.
- Analyse production data to identify improvement opportunities and reduce waste.
- Track and report key planning and manufacturing performance metrics.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence projects.
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- Support the implementation and optimization of planning systems and digital tools.
- Act as a key liaison between Operations and IT teams for system configuration, testing, training, and adoption.
Candidate Profile
- Proactive, hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in production planning, manufacturing operations, or supply chain planning.
- Experience within food, beverage, fresh produce, or agricultural manufacturing environments.
- Strong knowledge of production planning systems, ERP platforms, and reporting tools.
- Experience with MRP, capacity planning, inventory management, and demand planning processes.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and Power BI.
- Experience supporting system implementation and digital transformation initiatives.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluent English language skills.
- APICS CPIM, Lean Six Sigma, or similar certifications are considered an advantage.
Who You Are
- Collaborative and results-oriented leader comfortable working in a fast-moving environment.
- Enjoy solving complex problems, building strong relationships, and continuously improving processes and performance.
- Customer-focused and proactive.
- Highly organised with strong planning capabilities.
- Adaptable and comfortable managing changing priorities.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Passionate about continuous improvement.
- Hands-on, practical, and solution-oriented.
- Comfortable leading teams and driving positive change.
Manufacturing Planning Manager in Maidstone employer: Driscoll's
At Driscoll’s, we pride ourselves on fostering a people-first culture that prioritises innovation and excellence. As a Manufacturing Planning Manager, you will not only lead critical production planning activities but also collaborate with talented colleagues in a dynamic environment that encourages continuous improvement and operational excellence. With a commitment to delivering premium-quality berries, you'll find ample opportunities for professional growth and development while making a meaningful impact in the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Planning Manager in Maidstone
✨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 Driscoll's, 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 Manufacturing Planning Manager in Maidstone
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 Driscoll's 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 Driscoll's
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Driscoll's, 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 Driscoll's 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.
