At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning, optimise schedules, and ensure on-time delivery.
- Company: Established UK engineering manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent package, and a stable growth-oriented environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive continuous improvement using lean tools.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic manufacturing setting with global reach.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in production planning, strong inventory control, and leadership skills.
An established industrial manufacturing organisation is seeking a Production Planning Manager to lead planning operations, optimise production schedules, and improve on-time delivery performance. The role oversees demand forecasting, inventory control, and cross-functional coordination to ensure efficient, cost-effective manufacturing aligned with customer requirements and continuous improvement initiatives across the site overall.
Client Details:
- A long-established UK-based engineering manufacturer
- Designs and produces specialist industrial equipment
- Serves a global customer base across multiple sectors
- Known for technical expertise, quality, and innovation
- Offers a stable, growth-oriented environment
Description:
- Own production planning, creating and adjusting schedules to meet demand
- Convert orders and forecasts into sequenced assembly schedules
- Monitor output vs plan, acting quickly to protect on-time delivery
- Oversee WIP accuracy, job closure, and monthly reporting processes
- Coordinate daily activity across production and warehouse teams
- Manage stock levels, ensuring material availability with purchasing
- Lead cycle counts, stock takes, and resolve inventory discrepancies
- Drive continuous improvement using lean tools and optimised workflows
Profile:
- 3+ years' experience in production planning within manufacturing
- Background in engineering or manual assembly environments preferred
- Strong experience of inventory control and stock accuracy processes
- Proven ability to lead production or warehouse teams effectively
- Confident using ERP or MRP systems for planning and reporting
- Strong analytical skills with ability to forecast and adjust plans
- Organised and able to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and ISO standards is advantageous
Job Offer: salary circa £50,000 to £55,000 plus excellent package
Production Planning Manager in Berkhamsted employer: Michael Page
Join a long-established UK-based engineering manufacturer in Berkhamsted, where you will thrive in a stable and growth-oriented environment. As a Production Planning Manager, you will benefit from a culture that values technical expertise and innovation, alongside opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement initiatives. With a commitment to quality and a global customer base, this role offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic manufacturing setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planning Manager in Berkhamsted
✨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 products. Understand their production processes and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to production planning and inventory control. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planning Manager in Berkhamsted
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Production Planning Manager role. Highlight your experience in production planning, inventory control, and any relevant engineering background. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific achievements in production planning and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in past roles. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully forecasted demand or adjusted production schedules in the past. We love seeing numbers and results that back up your claims!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Production Planning Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your production planning knowledge. Understand the key concepts of demand forecasting, inventory control, and how to optimise production schedules. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Production Planning Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare to share stories that highlight your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in previous roles. Think about challenges you've faced and how you resolved them while keeping everyone on track.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Lean Manufacturing
Since continuous improvement is a big part of this role, make sure you know your lean manufacturing principles. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented lean tools in past positions and the impact they had on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
✨Get Comfortable with ERP/MRP Systems
You'll likely be using ERP or MRP systems for planning and reporting, so it’s crucial to demonstrate your proficiency. If you have experience with specific systems, mention them. If not, show your willingness to learn and adapt quickly to new technologies.