At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning and scheduling for bespoke packaging solutions.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a progressive UK manufacturer with 75 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, extensive training, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with genuine opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Alma Park Industrial Estate, Grantham, Lincolnshire
Sector: Bespoke Packaging Manufacturing
Package: Basic annual salary £40,000-£45,000 + bonus & benefits
Protecting what matters, together. At Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters most – our people, our customers, our communities, and the environment. With over 75 years of heritage, we combine the security of a long-established UK manufacturer with a progressive, continuous-improvement mindset. Our culture is collaborative, supportive and results driven. You will be encouraged to challenge, improve and influence – with genuine opportunities for development, progression, and long‑term career satisfaction.
Production Planning Manager Role
We are seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager to lead production planning and scheduling at our Grantham manufacturing site. Our Design & Manufacturing division specialises in bespoke protective packaging solutions, serving customers across Aerospace, Defence, Electronics, Industrial and Medical sectors throughout the UK. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will ensure production is planned and delivered efficiently, cost‑effectively and in line with customer requirements, while driving continuous improvement across planning, resource utilisation, and output.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end production planning and scheduling for the Grantham manufacturing operation.
- Balance demand, capacity, materials, and labour to meet OTIF, efficiency and cost targets.
- Lead daily production planning meetings and manage short-term schedule changes.
- Monitor performance data and KPIs, driving corrective action and continuous improvement.
- Line‑manage and develop the Planning Co‑ordinator and Production Section Leaders.
- Work closely with Sales, Production, Transport and Senior Management to align plans and priorities.
What you will bring
Essential
- Excellent customer service is essential whilst optimising the production schedule for best efficiencies.
- Proven experience in production planning within a manufacturing environment, ideally at supervisory or management level.
- Strong working knowledge of capacity planning, scheduling, lead time management, and workflow control.
- Hands‑on experience using ERP/MRP systems to manage production plans, materials, and demand.
- Demonstrable ability to manage production costs, labour planning, and output against budget and KPI targets.
- Confident people manager with experience leading, developing, and coordinating planning/production teams.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret production data and translate it into practical actions.
- Excellent communication skills, with a customer‑focused mindset and the confidence to challenge where needed.
- Comfortable working on‑site full time in Grantham – applicants should live within a sensible daily commute or be genuine relocators.
Desirable
- Experience within bespoke, make‑to‑order or low‑volume/high‑mix manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to packaging manufacturing or similar engineered product environments.
- Formal or practical experience of Lean / Continuous Improvement tools (Lean, 5S, SMED, TQM, Six Sigma).
- Experience contributing to or managing planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes.
- Supply chain, operations or planning qualifications (e.g. APICS / CPIM) or equivalent experience.
What you will get
- We offer a competitive salary and a flexible benefits package, which can include:
- 23 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays
- Contributory pension scheme
- Bonus and incentive opportunities
- Free on‑site parking
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support
- Extensive training, development, and progression opportunities
- Employee discount schemes and mobile phone discounts
- Health, dental and family-friendly benefits for qualifying roles
- Long service awards and charitable giving options
Macfarlane Group is committed to maximising every employee’s potential, offering clear development pathways in an environment that supports growth and continuous improvement. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Lead Production Planning – Bespoke Packaging in Grantham employer: Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in Grantham, our bespoke packaging manufacturing site provides a dynamic environment where you can influence and improve processes while enjoying competitive benefits, including a generous leave policy, pension scheme, and extensive training opportunities. Join us to protect what matters most and build a rewarding career with genuine progression prospects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Production Planning – Bespoke Packaging in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you show that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Production Planning – Bespoke Packaging in Grantham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in production planning, especially in manufacturing environments, and showcase any relevant skills that match the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your background aligns with our needs, particularly your experience with ERP/MRP systems and your ability to lead teams effectively.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved production efficiency or managed costs in previous roles to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
✨Know Your Production Planning Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your production planning knowledge, especially in bespoke packaging. Be ready to discuss your experience with ERP/MRP systems and how you've optimised production schedules in the past.
✨Show Off Your People Skills
As a Lead Production Planning Manager, you'll be managing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams before. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve fostered collaboration in previous roles.
✨Be Data-Driven
Get comfortable with discussing KPIs and performance data. Be prepared to explain how you've used analytics to drive continuous improvement and make informed decisions in your previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Focus
Since excellent customer service is key, think of specific instances where you've balanced customer needs with production efficiency. Show that you understand the importance of meeting customer requirements while optimising resources.
