Production Planner

Production Planner

Full-Time 39385 - 48137 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Plan and optimise maintenance schedules for rolling stock in a dynamic railway environment.
  • Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a leader in digital transformation and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible perks.
  • Other info: Enjoy a diverse workplace with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on railway operations while developing your career in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Knowledge of railway operations and strong problem-solving skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 39385 - 48137 £ per year.

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.

Your new role involves working on a shift basis as part of the Central Planning Cell (CPC) based at the West of Scotland Signalling Centre. You will be responsible for developing and delivering the operational maintenance plan with the necessary information to allow the efficient scheduling and execution of rolling stock maintenance. This includes:

  • Reviewing customer dispatch requirements to ensure compliance with the relevant obligations in the TSA contract.
  • Assessing the operational situation and dispatch requirements to inform the maintenance plan.
  • Focusing on future maintenance work: daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually to develop and continually refine the maintenance plan for the AT200 fleet.
  • Identifying and prioritising tasks in accordance with contractual, performance, technical, and safety requirements.
  • Creating and identifying maintenance windows and determining the number of work hours available to produce work orders.
  • Providing feedback on any issues to the customer within required timescales.
  • Liaising with Engineering and Supply Chain departments to identify, allocate, and leverage resources to enable the maintenance plan.
  • Actively monitoring the backlog of defects to reduce reactive maintenance and improve reliability.
  • Identifying, monitoring, and resolving material issues affecting the overall maintenance plan.
  • Expediting material demands and acting as the immediate focal point for Train Maintenance Centre and Outstation material issues.
  • Planning the implementation of fleet modifications.
  • Understanding Network Rail Infrastructure issues that impact diagrams and TMC capability and agreeing plans to minimise impact to HRL.
  • Ensuring TMC infrastructure issues or changes have minimal impact on HRL’s ability to deliver contractual obligations under the respective TSA.
  • Working closely with Performance Analysts to capture required performance data against diagram requirements for effective reporting.
  • Maintaining close working relationships with relevant customer train planning departments.
  • Monitoring repeat defects to reduce reactive maintenance and improve reliability.
  • Complying with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive improvement.
  • Being reactive to incidents, disruptions, and emergencies on the operational railway and amending the maintenance plan accordingly.
  • Utilising the SAP Maintenance Management System (MMS) and other IT applications to inform and develop the maintenance schedule.
  • Liaising with Engineering staff and promulgating Engineering Change where required.
  • Initiating and planning fleet checks.
  • Leading daily conference calls.
  • Preparing reports and giving verbal briefs as required.
  • Promoting, supporting, and complying with all health and safety practices in the workplace.
  • Undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in accordance with Hitachi’s new business demands as required.
  • Reviewing and updating test plans to ensure required maintenance can be carried out without a negative impact on testing schedules.
  • Any other duties as directed by the AT200 Production Planning Manager.

About you:

  • Sound knowledge of railway operations.
  • Previous experience of train planning and train diagrams.
  • Sound knowledge of, and compliance with, railway rules and regulations.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think quickly.
  • Relevant route knowledge would be advantageous.
  • Intermediate IT skills – Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
  • Self-sufficient and able to work autonomously.
  • Experience in lean.
  • Experience in KPIs and continuous improvement.
  • Leadership experience.

Behavioural:

  • Able to represent Hitachi in a professional manner at all times.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders.

What we offer:

  • Competitive salary.
  • 25 days holiday.
  • Potential opportunity for annual performance-related bonus.
  • Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%.
  • Private medical insurance.
  • Personal Accident insurance.
  • Group Income protection.
  • Group Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle. Closing date for applications is 23rd September 2026.

Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at Hitachi Rail Careers.

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at Hitachi Rail LinkedIn.

Production Planner employer: Hitachi

At Hitachi Energy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member can thrive while contributing to a sustainable energy future. Join us to be part of a global team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.

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Contact Details:

Hitachi Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Production Planner

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

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Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Hitachi, 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 Production Planner

Operational Maintenance Planning
Task Prioritisation
Resource Allocation
Customer Liaison
Defect Monitoring
Material Management
Fleet Modification Planning

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 Hitachi 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 Hitachi

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Hitachi, 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 Hitachi 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.