At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage production schedules to ensure smooth operations and meet customer demands.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a leader in manufacturing with a focus on quality and reliability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, life assurance, and shopping discounts.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Manufacturing experience and strong planning skills are essential.
- Other info: Work on-site in Featherstone with a unique 2 weeks on, 1 week off schedule.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive and detail-driven Production Scheduler to join our team at our Featherstone site. In this vital role, you will help deliver exceptional service in a fast-paced environment, ensuring our customers receive the quality and reliability they expect from DS Smith. The production function is at the heart of our site's success, and your expertise will play a key part in driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
You will be responsible for creating and managing production schedules, using your planning knowledge to coordinate orders in line with customer delivery commitments and site efficiency targets. By optimising production flow, monitoring capacity, and identifying risks early, you will help keep our manufacturing operations running smoothly and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:- Take responsibility for your own health and safety, working in line with company procedures to maintain a safe environment.
- Create and manage production plans for the corrugator and conversion areas using the CBS business system, maximising machine efficiency and meeting tight deadlines.
- Carry out pre-planning, including order selection and compilation.
- Monitor and review progress through CBS SFDC and adjust plans as needed to reflect operational changes.
- Maintain daily oversight of paper stocks, organising replenishment and completing month-end stock reconciliations.
- Analyse variances in paper usage against plan and drive appropriate corrective actions.
- Work closely with the Internal Sales Team to understand customer requirements and align them with production capabilities.
- Participate in daily sales/planning meetings and contribute to ad hoc discussions when required.
- Attend daily operations reviews, supporting continuous improvement activities and contributing to relevant KPIs.
- Join daily transport meetings, providing order status updates to support delivery planning.
We are looking for someone with manufacturing experience, strong planning and time-management skills, and the ability to make confident decisions under pressure. With solid commercial awareness, excellent communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office (ideally in Excel), and a methodical, detail-focused approach, you perform reliably in fast-paced, customer-driven environments.
Minimum Requirements:- Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven background in time management, planning, and coordination.
- Confident decision-maker, especially under time pressure.
- Strong record of performance in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of the financial impact of operational decisions.
- Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills.
- Methodical approach with strong attention to detail.
Additional benefits include:
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Employee assistance program
- Cycle to work scheme
- Shopping discounts
Location: Featherstone on site
Working Pattern: 2 weeks on, 1 week off
Week 1: Monday-Friday, 13:00-23:00
Week 2: Monday-Sunday, 06:00-14:00
Week 3: Off
Production Scheduler in Pontefract employer: DS Smith Packaging Limited
Contact Detail:
DS Smith Packaging Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Scheduler in Pontefract
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research DS Smith, their values, and what makes them tick. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to production scheduling. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around planning and time management. Confidence is key!
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Featherstone.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Scheduler in Pontefract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Scheduler role. Highlight your manufacturing experience and planning skills, and don’t forget to mention any relevant software knowledge, especially with Microsoft Excel.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our team at Featherstone. Share specific examples of how you've optimised production flow or managed schedules in the past.
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to make confident decisions under pressure. We want to see how you’ve handled tight deadlines and operational challenges in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Packaging Limited
✨Know Your Production Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of production scheduling and manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss how you would create and manage production plans, as well as how you can optimise production flow. This shows that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified risks and implemented corrective actions in previous roles. Highlight your ability to make confident decisions under pressure, especially in fast-paced environments. This will showcase your proactive approach and readiness for the challenges of the job.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CBS Systems
If you have experience with CBS or similar business systems, be sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research to understand how these systems work. Being able to discuss how you would use such tools to monitor progress and adjust plans will impress your interviewers.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with the Internal Sales Team and contribute to daily operations reviews. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.