At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning and scheduling for bespoke packaging solutions.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Group, a progressive UK manufacturer with 75 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible benefits, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Great career growth potential and supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong analytical 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.
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.
Production Planning Manager Macfarlane Group UK Ltd in Grantham employer: Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
Macfarlane Group UK Ltd is an exceptional employer located in Grantham, Lincolnshire, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With over 75 years of experience in bespoke packaging manufacturing, the company provides competitive salaries, flexible benefits, and genuine opportunities for career progression, all while fostering a commitment to protecting what matters most – our people and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planning Manager Macfarlane Group UK Ltd in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Macfarlane Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Macfarlane Group values collaboration and continuous improvement, so think of examples from your past experiences that showcase these traits.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in production planning. This will resonate well with the role's focus on KPIs and efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Macfarlane Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planning Manager Macfarlane Group UK Ltd 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 and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Macfarlane Packaging. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our collaborative culture.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement and manage production effectively. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Macfarlane Packaging!
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. Understand the key concepts like capacity planning, scheduling, and workflow control. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing environment.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills by bringing examples of how you've interpreted production data in the past. Think about specific situations where your insights led to improvements in efficiency or cost savings, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since excellent communication is essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with different teams, such as Sales and Production, to align plans and priorities.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Familiarise yourself with Lean and Continuous Improvement tools, as they are highly valued in this position. Be prepared to talk about any experience you have with these methodologies and how you've implemented them to drive efficiency in your previous roles.
