At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan workshop capacity and improve production schedules using MRP systems.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing business in Poole with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, influence over processes, and opportunities for improvement.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enhance your career in manufacturing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production flow and efficiency in a practical environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong IT skills required.
Capacity Planner salary: £36,500 – £40,750
Please note: only applicants with the full-time, permanent right to work in the UK will be considered.
Capacity Planner Overview:
- Plan workshop capacity to meet sales order deadlines and production targets
- Use MRP and scheduling systems to improve visibility, loading and workflow
- Work closely with the Workshop Supervisor and Manufacturing Manager
- Monitor bottlenecks, schedule adherence, utilisation, productivity and efficiency
- Help move planning away from spreadsheets and into better system-led processes
This Capacity Planner role is with a manufacturing business in Poole and will focus on planning workshop capacity, loading work through production and improving the way schedules are managed. The Capacity Planner will work closely with the Workshop Supervisor and Manufacturing Manager, using MRP and scheduling tools to keep manufacturing activity aligned with sales order deadlines, machine capacity, staffing and operational priorities. This Capacity Planner position would suit someone with production planning, capacity planning or workshop scheduling experience who is organised, IT-confident and willing to help improve systems and processes.
Day-to-day responsibilities of a Capacity Planner:
- Use MRP and scheduling software to plan manufacturing capacity against sales order deadlines
- Load and adjust workshop schedules around machine availability, holidays, sickness and breakdowns
- Communicate the production schedule clearly to workshop staff and relevant managers
- Progress works orders through the production cycle and highlight issues early
- Identify bottlenecks in manufacturing and help agree practical solutions
- Measure and report KPIs including schedule adherence, equipment utilisation, efficiency and productivity
- Keep manufacturing data accurate within planning and MRP systems
- Create, update and maintain manufacturing routing cards
- Raise purchase orders for mid-process subcontract operations
- Purchase consumables in a timely and cost-conscious way
- Liaise with the Machine Shop Supervisor on technical details affecting production planning
- Support continuous improvement across planning, scheduling, workflow and system use
- Help reduce reliance on spreadsheets by making better use of Factory Master and related systems
What they’re looking for - Capacity Planner:
- Experience in production planning, capacity planning, workshop scheduling or a similar manufacturing planning role
- Confident using MRP, scheduling systems, Excel and Microsoft Office
- Able to manage changing priorities across orders, machines, people and production issues
- Strong IT skills, with the ability to improve how planning information is used and maintained
- Good communication skills and comfortable liaising with workshop and management teams
- Organised, reliable and able to keep accurate data in a busy manufacturing environment
- Willing to learn, with a positive attitude and practical approach to problem solving
- Manufacturing or engineering experience would be useful, but the right planning mindset is more important
Desirable - Capacity Planner:
- Experience using Factory Master or similar manufacturing planning software
- Background in machine shop, CNC, precision engineering or workshop-led manufacturing
- Understanding of routing cards, works orders and production KPIs
- ISO9001 awareness
- Experience purchasing consumables or raising purchase orders for subcontract work
What’s on offer - Capacity Planner:
- Capacity Planner salary: £36,500 – £40,750
- A Capacity Planner role with real influence over workshop loading, production visibility and day-to-day manufacturing flow.
- The chance to improve planning processes, reduce spreadsheet reliance and make better use of existing systems.
- A practical manufacturing environment where good organisation, communication and data accuracy will make a visible difference.
How to apply for the Capacity Planner position:
If you’re interested in this Capacity Planner role, get in touch to talk through the planning scope and systems. Call or message Hayden at Holt Engineering on (phone number removed).
Capacity Planner in Broadstone employer: Holt Engineering
Join a well-established and rapidly expanding manufacturing business that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. As an Area Sales Manager, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, excellent bonus structure, and comprehensive training, all while working in a dynamic environment that encourages personal and professional growth. With the opportunity to build long-term customer relationships across the South East, this role offers meaningful engagement and the chance to make a significant impact within the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Capacity Planner in Broadstone
✨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 Holt Engineering, 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 Capacity Planner in Broadstone
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 Holt Engineering 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 Holt Engineering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Holt Engineering, 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 Holt Engineering 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.