At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise the master production schedule to meet customer demand and operational goals.
- Company: Join a dynamic manufacturing company focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on career development and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be the key player in balancing supply and demand while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.
Role Purpose
The Master Production Scheduler (MPS) is responsible for developing, maintaining, and continuously improving the master production schedule to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and timely manufacture of products in line with customer demand, inventory targets, and capacity constraints. This role acts as the central integration point between Sales, Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Logistics, balancing demand and supply while supporting business objectives such as service level improvement, inventory optimisation, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Master Production Planning
Own and maintain the Master Production Schedule across relevant plants, product families, and time horizons. Translate the agreed demand plan into a feasible, capacity-validated production plan. Ensure alignment between Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and shop-floor execution. Maintain schedule accuracy and integrity within ERP/MRP systems. - Capacity & Constraint Management
Balance production demand with available capacity across labour, machinery, tooling, and critical resources. Identify capacity constraints, bottlenecks, and risks; develop mitigation plans in collaboration with operations and engineering teams. Support long-term capacity planning decisions, including shift patterns, overtime, subcontracting, or capital investment input. - Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as the key liaison between Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service, and Sales teams. Participate in S&OP and demand review meetings, contributing data-driven insights and recommendations. Communicate schedule changes, risks, and priorities clearly to manufacturing and support teams. - Inventory & Service Performance
Drive optimal inventory levels by balancing customer service, working capital, and production efficiency. Monitor and manage key KPIs such as: Customer service levels / OTIF, Schedule adherence, Inventory turns, Forecast accuracy impact. Proactively manage risks related to material shortages, supplier delays, or demand volatility. - Continuous Improvement & Systems
Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, data accuracy, and system usage. Support implementation and optimisation of ERP/MRP, APS, or planning tools. Champion best practices in production planning, scheduling, and S&OP maturity. Support root cause analysis for service failures or production inefficiencies.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Technical & Planning Expertise
Strong understanding of Master Production Scheduling, MRP / ERP planning logic, Capacity planning and constraints management, S&OP and demand planning interfaces. High level of analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex data sets. Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar. - Communication & Influence
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Confident in challenging assumptions and escalating risks constructively. Ability to translate complex planning scenarios into clear, actionable messages for non-planners. - Behavioural Attributes
Highly organised with strong attention to detail. Calm and resilient under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Proactive, solutions-focused, and commercially minded. Strong sense of ownership and accountability for plan outcomes.
Experience & Qualifications
- Essential
Proven experience (typically 3-7+ years) in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience owning or contributing to a Master Production Schedule. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and shop-floor operations. - Desirable
Experience in complex or high-mix manufacturing environments. Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies. Formal supply chain qualifications (e.g. APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent). Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
Key Success Measures
High schedule adherence and plan stability. Improved customer service performance and OTIF delivery. Optimised inventory levels aligned with business targets. Effective cross-functional collaboration and decision-making. Continuous improvement of planning processes and data accuracy.
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.
Production Planning Manager in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Gleeson Recruitment Group
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Located in a vibrant area, we provide our team with the chance to thrive both professionally and personally, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planning Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Production Planning Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its production processes. We recommend practising common interview questions related to Master Production Scheduling and capacity management. Show them you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Be proactive and reach out to companies you admire, even if they’re not advertising a position. A well-timed email can make all the difference, and we’re here to help you craft it.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at getting noticed. We’ve got your back with resources and tips to make your application stand out. Let’s get you that dream job in production planning!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planning Manager in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Production Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience with Master Production Scheduling and any relevant ERP systems like SAP or Oracle. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical capability, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've interpreted complex data sets in your previous roles. We love seeing how you’ve used data to drive decisions and improve processes.
Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration:This position is all about working with different teams, so make sure to highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully liaised between departments to achieve common goals.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key metrics related to production planning, such as schedule adherence and inventory turns. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you understand the importance of data in this role.
✨Master the Master Production Schedule
Familiarise yourself with the concept of a Master Production Schedule (MPS) and be ready to discuss how you've managed or contributed to one in the past. Highlight any specific tools or systems you've used, like ERP or MRP software, to demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration. Prepare examples of how you've worked with different teams, such as Sales, Operations, and Procurement, to achieve common goals. Emphasise your communication skills and ability to translate complex scenarios into actionable insights.
✨Be Solutions-Focused
Expect questions about how you've handled capacity constraints or production bottlenecks. Think of specific instances where you identified a problem and implemented a solution. This will showcase your proactive approach and resilience under pressure, which are crucial for success in this role.
