About the Company
Our client is a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing organisation that is transforming the delivery of high-precision components into highly regulated industries. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, modern production methods, and significant growth plans, they are building a scalable manufacturing network focused on quality, reliability, and operational excellence.
As the business continues to expand, they are seeking a talented Production Planner to play a key role in ensuring manufacturing operations run efficiently and customer commitments are consistently achieved.
The Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive and analytical Production Planner to take ownership of production scheduling, capacity planning, and manufacturing coordination within a fast-paced engineering environment.
Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and Customer Operations teams, you will translate customer demand into realistic and achievable manufacturing schedules while balancing capacity, materials, resources, and delivery requirements.
This role suits someone who enjoys problem-solving, thrives in a factory environment, and can confidently manage changing priorities while maintaining a clear focus on delivery performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and maintain detailed production schedules across multiple work centres and manufacturing operations.
- Sequence manufacturing orders based on capacity, material availability, routing requirements, and customer due dates.
- Monitor work-in-progress and adjust schedules as operational priorities change.
- Assess manufacturing capacity, identifying constraints in machines, labour, tooling, inspection, and subcontract services.
- Support customer delivery commitments by providing realistic lead times and production forecasts.
- Ensure production readiness by coordinating materials, drawings, tooling, programming, inspection requirements, and external services.
- Identify bottlenecks and production risks early, providing practical solutions and recovery plans.
- Work closely with Procurement to align material deliveries with production requirements.
- Maintain accurate scheduling and planning data within ERP/MRP and production management systems.
- Track and report on key planning metrics including schedule adherence, on-time delivery, utilisation, and work-in-progress.
- Develop longer-term capacity plans to support business growth and future customer demand.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve planning accuracy, efficiency, and production performance.
Experience Required
- Minimum 3 years' experience in Production Planning, Scheduling, Capacity Planning, Manufacturing Coordination, or a similar role.
- Experience operating within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Ability to manage multiple work orders, priorities, and production schedules simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, routings, lead times, work-in-progress, and production flow.
- Experience identifying and managing capacity constraints and delivery risks.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, production planning software, and Excel.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within aerospace, defence, automotive, precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, electronics, or other highly regulated industries.
- Understanding of CNC machining environments or multi-stage manufacturing operations.
- Knowledge of production scheduling methodologies, capacity modelling, and demand planning.
- Exposure to quality-controlled manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting manufacturing growth or operational improvement initiatives.
- APICS, CPIM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar operational qualifications.
What We're Looking For
- A planner who takes ownership and keeps schedules accurate, realistic, and achievable.
- Someone who can anticipate problems before they impact production or delivery.
- A strong communicator able to work effectively across Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams.
- An analytical thinker who enjoys using data to improve decision-making.
- A practical problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Someone who enjoys improving processes and helping build operational capability as a business grows.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to join a growing advanced manufacturing business at an exciting stage of its growth.
- Significant visibility and influence across operations.
- Collaborative and ambitious culture.
- Opportunity to help shape planning processes and operational best practice.
- Long-term career development and progression opportunities.
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Production Planner employer: Matchtech Group
Matchtech is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong focus on the rail sector in Winnersh, employees benefit from comprehensive support, flexible working options, and exciting team incentives, all while contributing to significant infrastructure developments in Ireland. Join a dedicated team where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in a dynamic environment that fosters both personal and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner
✨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 Matchtech Group, 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!
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 Matchtech Group 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 Matchtech Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Matchtech Group, 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 Matchtech Group 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.
