At a Glance
- Tasks: Create effective production schedules and collaborate with teams to streamline operations.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking manufacturing business that values planning as a core function.
- Benefits: Stable hours, no shifts, and a supportive work environment focused on your growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for UK Security Clearance and a chance to be part of a valued team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in high-spec sectors like aerospace and automotive.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning or supply chain; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
If you’ve ever worked somewhere where production planning felt like a daily guessing game, you’ll know how painful bad information, late changes and overly optimistic schedules can be. This isn’t one of those places. This is your chance to join a manufacturing business that actually treats planning as the engine room of operations - not an admin task, not a blame magnet, and not something that gets ignored until it’s already gone wrong. If you like bringing order to chaos without needing to shout to be heard, you’ll feel right at home here.
What You Will Do
- Build production schedules people can actually follow - based on real customer orders, capacity and material availability.
- Work closely with Materials, Engineering and Operations so everyone moves in the same direction for once.
- Monitor progress, spot bottlenecks early and adjust plans before things fall over.
- Use demand forecasts and historical trends to help the business make decisions instead of educated guesses.
- Maintain accurate records of WIP, inventory and activity so planning stays credible.
- Work with Process and Quality Engineers to reduce waste and improve flow.
- Occasionally join customer meetings when planning expertise is needed (you won’t be doing sales).
What You Will Bring
- Experience in production planning, supply chain or manufacturing operations.
- Strong analytical skills and confidence using ERP systems and Excel (more than SUM and VLOOKUP).
- The ability to stay organised and calm when everyone else is panicking.
- Clear communication skills - because a plan only works if people understand it.
- Knowledge of lean principles is desirable but not essential.
- A degree in Business, Engineering or Supply Chain - or 3+ years proving you don’t need one.
Planning is one of those roles where you rarely get praised when things go right - but everyone notices when they don’t. Here, you’ll actually be backed by people who understand the value of proper planning and want you involved early, not after the mess has already been made. You’ll be supporting production across aerospace, defence, automotive, medical and other high-spec sectors - environments where precision and timing matter.
Location Gloucester. Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week. No shifts.
Security Clearance Requirement This role requires UK Security Clearance (SC) or the ability to obtain it. To be eligible, you must have been a continuous UK resident for the last five years and be willing to undergo the vetting process. BPSS alone is not sufficient for this position.
Interested? If you’re tired of firefighting disguised as production planning, and want a role where the business listens to the data rather than ignoring it, then this is worth a conversation. Apply today and see whether this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
Production Planner employer: Jonathan Lee Recruitment
Join a well-established organisation that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a supportive work culture where your expertise in export and trade compliance will be valued. With a commitment to long-term stability and investment in people, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of critical compliance functions while collaborating with diverse teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role not only provides meaningful work but also ensures you are at the forefront of compliance standards within a highly regulated industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out before your interview. Research their production processes, values, and recent projects. This way, you can show them that you're not just another candidate but someone who genuinely understands their operations and can bring real value.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since clear communication is key in production planning, try role-playing common scenarios with a friend. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used ERP systems or Excel in past roles. Prepare specific examples where your planning made a difference, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the chaos of production planning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing this role. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Production Planner. Highlight your experience in production planning, supply chain, or manufacturing operations, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and ERP system knowledge. We want to see how you can bring order to chaos!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about production planning and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, and let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well. We want to see that you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively, just like you would in the workplace.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonathan Lee Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Production Planner, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your ERP systems and Excel capabilities beyond the basics. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Clear communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated plans and changes to different teams. Think about times when your clear explanations helped avoid confusion or delays.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
This job requires staying calm and organised under pressure. Share specific instances where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Highlight any tools or methods you use to keep everything on track.
✨Understand Lean Principles
While knowledge of lean principles isn't essential, it’s definitely a plus. Familiarise yourself with basic concepts and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
