At a Glance
- Tasks: Own production planning, demand forecasting, and inventory control in a dynamic manufacturing setting.
- Company: Join a growing manufacturing business focused on innovation and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and cross-department collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising processes and improving service levels.
- Qualifications: Experience in production or demand planning, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Production & Demand Planner to take ownership of production planning, demand forecasting and inventory control within a growing manufacturing business. This is a pivotal role where you will bring structure, visibility and control to a planning function that is currently managed through spreadsheets and informal processes. Working closely with Sales, Production, Purchasing and Senior Leadership, you will create robust planning processes that improve service levels, optimise stock holdings and ensure production capacity is aligned with customer demand. This role would suit an individual who enjoys building processes, influencing stakeholders and driving operational improvements within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using sales history, customer requirements and business trends.
- Monitor forecast accuracy and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Work closely with Sales and Commercial teams to understand future demand and promotional activity.
- Translate customer demand into achievable production requirements.
- Production Planning
- Create and maintain production schedules to ensure customer orders are delivered on time.
- Balance demand against available production capacity.
- Prioritise production activities in line with customer requirements and business objectives.
- Respond proactively to changing customer requirements and production constraints.
- Inventory & Material Planning
- Monitor stock levels of raw materials, packaging and finished goods.
- Ensure materials are available to support production requirements.
- Identify potential shortages and implement mitigation plans.
- Reduce stockouts, excess inventory and obsolete stock.
- Capacity Planning
- Analyse production capacity and resource availability.
- Identify bottlenecks and constraints within the manufacturing process.
- Work with operational teams to maximise efficiency and throughput.
- Provide visibility of future capacity risks.
- Stakeholder Management
- Act as the central point of coordination between Sales, Production, Purchasing and Senior Leadership.
- Challenge unrealistic delivery commitments where capacity or material availability presents risk.
- Facilitate regular planning meetings and communicate priorities clearly.
- Build strong working relationships across all departments.
- Process Improvement
- Design and implement robust planning processes and reporting.
- Develop meaningful KPIs and planning metrics.
- Improve visibility of production performance, stock levels and forecast accuracy.
- Drive continuous improvement across the planning function.
- Support future system and process enhancements.
Key Performance Indicators
- OTIF (On Time In Full) Delivery Performance
- Forecast Accuracy
- Production Schedule Adherence
- Inventory Accuracy
- Stock Availability
- Reduction in Expedites
- Capacity Utilisation
- Obsolete Stock Reduction
Skills & Experience Required
- Essential
- Previous experience within a Production Planning, Demand Planning or Supply Chain Planning role.
- Experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of forecasting, capacity planning and inventory management.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Ability to analyse data and make informed planning decisions.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working across multiple departments to drive operational performance.
- Desirable
- FMCG, Food Manufacturing, Packaging or Process Manufacturing experience.
- Experience implementing or improving planning processes.
- ERP/MRP system experience.
- S&OP exposure.
- Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing knowledge.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially aware and able to balance customer requirements with operational capability.
- Confident challenging stakeholders when necessary.
- Process-driven with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Able to influence and build credibility at all levels of the organisation.
Production & Demand Planner employer: Mixxos
Join a dynamic manufacturing business that values innovation and collaboration, where as a Production & Demand Planner, you will play a crucial role in shaping efficient planning processes. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities to enhance your skills while working closely with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence. Located in a thriving industrial area, we provide a stimulating environment that encourages continuous improvement and values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production & Demand 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 Mixxos, 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 Production & Demand Planner
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 Mixxos 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 Mixxos
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Mixxos, 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 Mixxos 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.
