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We are a fast-growing, design-led British upholstery manufacturer with a reputation for quality craftsmanship, agile lead times, and exceptional customer service. Our ethos is simple — we don’t just make furniture; we deliver beautifully made, dependable products that keep our retail partners coming back for more. As we continue to scale, we’re looking for a commercially sharp, highly organised *Purchasing & Production Planner* who can help us drive operational excellence across our supply chain and shop floor.
*Your Mission*
To take ownership of our material planning, purchasing, and production scheduling processes — ensuring the right materials are in the right place at the right time, while keeping manufacturing running efficiently and cost-effectively. You\'ll bridge the gap between sales forecasts, supplier capabilities, and factory capacity, playing a pivotal role in how we deliver on time, every time.
*Responsibilities*
* *Strategic Purchasing*: Source and manage supplier relationships to ensure best value on fabrics, frames, foams, and fittings – balancing cost, quality, and lead time.
* *Material Planning*: Build and maintain MRP systems or planning tools that align demand forecasts with supply requirements.
* *Production Scheduling*: Create clear, agile weekly production schedules based on sales orders, factory capacity, and material availability.
* *Stock Management*: Monitor inventory levels to minimise overstock and avoid shortages, with clear reporting and KPIs.
* *Supplier Performance*: Track OTIF (On Time In Full) delivery, quality, and responsiveness – holding suppliers accountable.
* *Process Improvement*: Identify and implement improvements to procurement and planning processes that reduce waste, save money, and improve efficiency.
* *Cross-Functional Collaboration*: Work closely with Sales, Factory Floor Leads, and Design teams to ensure alignment from order to dispatch.
*What We’re Looking For*
* A proven track record in a senior planning or purchasing role within a *manufacturing environment* – ideally furniture, textiles, or made-to-order production.
* Strong commercial acumen – you’re confident negotiating with suppliers and managing cost targets.
* Solid experience with Excel , planning tools, experience implementing an ERP/MRP systems – or a strong Excel planner with a systems mindset.
* Exceptional organisational skills – you thrive on structure, pace, and staying ahead of the curve.
* A proactive, solution-oriented approach – you spot risks and fix them before they become issues.
* Experience working closely with production teams and understanding the rhythm of factory operations.
* Calm under pressure, focused on priorities, and able to pivot when needed without dropping the ball.
*What’s In It for You*
* A senior-level role with real influence – working directly with the MD and management team.
* The opportunity to shape planning and purchasing processes in a growing, ambitious business.
* Competitive salary and bonus structure.
* 29 days holiday + pension + employee discounts.
* A friendly, fast-paced environment where your ideas are valued and your impact is visible.
If you are an enthusiastic professional looking to make an impact within our organisation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as a Senior Production Planner.
STRICTLY NO AGENCIES
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £28,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Language:
* English (required)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 25/08/2025
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Purchasing & Production Planner in Newton Aycliffe
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Meridian Upholstery Ltd, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Senior Purchasing & Production Planner.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Meridian Upholstery Ltd. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Meridian Upholstery Ltd and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meridian Upholstery Ltd
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Meridian Upholstery Ltd.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Meridian Upholstery Ltd
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Meridian Upholstery Ltd might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
