At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage production plans for cutting-edge defence projects.
- Company: Leading defence engineering organisation in a fast-paced environment.
- Benefits: Flexible 4-day work week, collaborative team culture, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Must be eligible for Security Clearance; based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to innovative defence programmes.
- Qualifications: Experience with SAP, production planning, and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Manufacturing Planner with strong SAP and production planning experience? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced engineering environment where your planning expertise directly contributes to the successful delivery of cutting-edge defence programmes? We are currently recruiting for a Manufacturing Planner to join a leading defence engineering organisation based in Ampthill.
Working within the Special Projects business area, you will play a key role in developing and maintaining robust production plans that support the manufacture of hardware for innovative development programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of defence manufacturing, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure production schedules, materials and resources are aligned to programme requirements.
The Role
As a Manufacturing Planner, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining production plans that support manufacturing activities across a range of Special Projects programmes. Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and maintaining daily, weekly and fortnightly production plans to support manufacturing operations.
- Managing SAP demand planning activities from cradle to grave for development projects.
- Raising and managing production orders within SAP.
- Planning and managing material requirements across multiple programmes.
- Monitoring machine and labour capacity to ensure manufacturing requirements can be met.
- Supporting project teams by providing capacity forecasts and planning information during programme delivery and bid activities.
- Managing Lines of Balance (LOB) and Areas of Operation (AOL) across assigned projects.
- Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production Operations and Team Leads to coordinate resource availability.
- Analysing Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to ensure production plans remain aligned with programme milestones.
- Identifying planning risks and implementing effective solutions to maintain delivery schedules.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across manufacturing, projects and supply chain functions to ensure successful programme execution.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong knowledge and experience of SAP Production Planning and Material Control processes.
- Proven experience in production planning, capacity planning and resource management within a manufacturing environment.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables and VLOOKUPs.
- Experience interpreting and managing Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Ability to analyse data and proactively manage production planning risks.
- Experience working closely with manufacturing and production teams.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience managing subcontractor orders and external manufacturing suppliers.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Project.
- Experience supporting development, prototype or low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing programmes.
- Knowledge of aerospace, defence or advanced engineering manufacturing environments.
- Understanding of Line of Balance (LOB) planning methodologies.
Working Arrangements
Based on-site in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Flexible 4-day working week (Monday to Thursday). Working within a collaborative production planning team supporting complex defence programmes.
Security Requirements
BPSS clearance is required to commence employment. Candidates must be eligible to obtain Security Clearance (SC).
Manufacturing Planner in Ampthill employer: Mane Contract Services
Mane Contract Services is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northern Ireland where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to enhance their skills in lean manufacturing and heavy equipment engineering. The company fosters a supportive culture that values teamwork and encourages employees to contribute to meaningful projects that drive efficiency and excellence in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Planner in Ampthill
✨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 Mane Contract Services, 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 Manufacturing Planner in Ampthill
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 Mane Contract Services 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 Mane Contract Services
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Mane Contract Services, 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 Mane Contract Services 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.
