Production Planner in Newcastle upon Tyne

Work Location: Newcastle, UK

Department: Operations

About the Company: IPS Adhesives is a global supplier of adhesive and related solutions to a wide variety of markets. The role covers operations for three brands, Scigrip for Structural Adhesives, Integra and Unika covering kitchen products which is focused on solving problems and delivering value to our customers through great people, class leading adhesive technologies, and innovative and flexible packaging and service offerings.

Job Description: The role is responsible for maintaining both the physical and system stock inventory records through the operation of master planning within the NAVISON ERP system and recording of operator’s daily outputs. In addition, the planner will coordinate the production schedules with the supervisors to ensure the appropriate items are made on a timely basis and in the correct quantities to ensure customer demands are met and manufacturing resource is focused on the correct outputs. The planner forms a key link between the sales office and the factory by checking stock availability and highlighting potential customer shortages prior to sales orders being passed through to production.

Key deliverables of this role will be meeting predetermined objectives related to master planning/works order preparation, accuracy of inventory records, maintenance of system master data and follow‑up & resolution of inventory queries.

• Daily operation of master planning within the ERP system to maintain accurate and up‑to‑date works orders to allow the supervisors to plan & manufacture the correct items to meet customer demands.
• Timely input of operators’ daily production records to NAV to maintain accurate inventory records and also challenge any unusual or unexpected outputs prior to input to ensure data validity.
• Working with operators to continually review how production is recorded as new processes/products are introduced.
• Run shortage reports against new customer orders to identify potential component shortages and liaise with the appropriate parties (buyers/customer service/production supervisors).
• Complete monthly stock counts of consumable stock items, process associated journals and investigate any significant variances.
• Owns the entry and maintenance of item information into the appropriate system(s), including item master entry, bills of materials, production routings, and branch plant information.
• Assist the process of inventory reduction by developing and maintaining material stocking/safety stock levels which support customer service objectives and production and sales deviations, while minimizing the corporate inventory investment, and supporting operating plans.
• Works with Master Planning and other resources as appropriate to develop and maintain material stocking targets.
• Revises the stocking levels as sales and inventory requirements change.
• Inputs stocking levels, reorder points, case quantities and order min and max quantities, as needed, into the system.
• Participates in meetings concerning production planning and inventory control, specifically providing updates on the status of inventory to plan, and proactive delivery plans for any out‑of‑stock items.
• Ensures the accuracy of inventory and financial records to provide the proper control as required.
• Instructs others in the inventory control, warehousing and production departments in the use of PCs and the computer system; conducts training as required.
• Determine causes of errors and ensures improvements to methods and procedures to eliminate future errors.
• Operates as cover for goods in receipting/purchase order processing as and when required.
• During the compiling of data and development of the plan, uses available information concerning inventory transactions, product transfers, sales order entries, etc.
• Contacts responsible parties (Sales & Marketing, Finance, Master Scheduler, Finite Scheduler, etc.) as needed for investigation, validation and correction of information.
• Active participant in Lean/Continuous improvement objectives.

The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this Job Description are indicative and may vary over time. Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, level and extent of the post.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: Degree in a related field of study, or five or more years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with use of planning tools and systems, such as an MRP system, as well as work in an ERP system. Experience in a manufacturing/production operation. Experience working with Kaizen methodology and continuous improvement principles – preferably some formal qualification. Knowledge of manufacturing quality standards. Strong information technology skills.

Key Competencies: Critical thinking and problem solving skills, planning and organising, decision making, communication skills, persuasiveness, influencing and leading, delegation, teamwork, negotiation, conflict management, adaptability.

Salary commensurate with experience. Pension. 25 days holiday entitlement. Relevant technology package. Opportunities for personal development and progression.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Full‑time. Job function: Management and Manufacturing. Industries: Building Materials.