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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning and optimise schedules to meet customer demand.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing team focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in production planning and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and exposure to digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
The Manufacturing Planning Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining effective production schedules to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization. This role ensures alignment between manufacturing capacity, workforce availability, material supply, and delivery timelines. The manager collaborates cross-functionally with Master Scheduling, Production, Transportation, Quality and HR to ensure smooth operations and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Ensure that production schedules meet customer demand while maximizing manufacturing efficiency.
- Balance capacity, workforce, materials, and timelines, and collaborate closely with Production, Scheduling, Transportation, Quality, HR, and IT.
- Lead planning activities and ensure seamless execution within manufacturing operations.
- Develop and maintain production schedules aligned with forecasts and capacity.
- Coordinate workforce needs and communicate plans with Shift Managers.
- Adjust plans in real time based on operational changes.
- Ensure material readiness by collaborating with Packaging and Print Room.
- Lead daily production meetings and monitor performance and KPIs.
- Support continuous improvement (Lean, Six Sigma) and ensure compliance.
- Contribute to system implementation and act as key user between operations and IT.
Candidate Profile
You bring a strong analytical mindset, manufacturing planning knowledge, and the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-moving environment. You have experience in inspiring and leading teams in a dynamic, similar environment.
Education & Training
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or similar.
- Additional certifications (APICS, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.
- Strong English communication skills.
Experience
- 5+ years in production planning or manufacturing operations.
- Experience with ERP / MES systems and continuous improvement.
- Preferably experience in food, beverage, or agricultural manufacturing.
- Exposure to digital transformation or system implementation.
Skills & Behaviors
- Strong understanding of planning systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics).
- Advanced Excel / Power BI skills and solid analytical ability.
- Proactive, customer-oriented, flexible, and hands-on.
- Able to work independently and handle ad-hoc operational issues.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Leadership Competencies
- Cultivates innovation and drives improvement.
- Plans effectively and aligns teams around priorities.
- Delivers results with energy and ownership.
- Collaborates across functions and builds strong relationships.
- Engages and motivates others while developing talent.
- Shows courage and addresses challenges transparently.
Manufacturing Planning Manager UK in Maidstone employer: Driscoll's
Contact Detail:
Driscoll's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Planning Manager UK in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the manufacturing sector, especially those who work in planning roles. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of production scheduling and resource optimisation. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how you can bring that experience to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to improve manufacturing processes or solve problems. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and your ability to contribute to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Planning Manager UK in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Manufacturing Planning Manager. Highlight your experience in production planning, resource optimisation, and any relevant certifications like Lean Six Sigma. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous jobs. We love a good story that showcases your achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, make sure to highlight your experience with planning systems and data analysis tools like Excel or Power BI. We want to know how you’ve used these skills to drive improvements in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driscoll's
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Manufacturing Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics like production efficiency, KPIs, and resource utilisation. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with departments like Production, HR, and Quality. Highlight any cross-functional projects you've led or contributed to, showcasing your ability to bring teams together.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Problem Solving
Expect questions about how you handle unexpected changes in production schedules. Think of specific instances where you've had to adjust plans on the fly and what strategies you employed to ensure smooth operations despite challenges.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Familiarise yourself with Lean and Six Sigma principles, as these are crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented continuous improvement initiatives in previous positions and the impact they had on production processes.
