Production & Materials Planner in St Leonards

Photonic Science & Engineering Limited (PSEL) is a leading specialist imaging equipment manufacturer of high-performance digital cameras and detector systems covering the spectrum from X-ray, visible, Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) and neutron detection. The company is based in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex and has around 30 employees. PSEL is part of the Tibidabo Scientific Industries group of companies.

The Role

PSEL is seeking the right individual to join the Supply Chain team, part of the wider Operations team, in the role of Production & Materials Planner. The Production & Materials Planner is responsible for translating demand into achievable production plans, ensuring material availability, monitoring execution against plan, and proactively managing risks to delivery. The role involves taking day-to-day ownership of production planning and coordination activities within a high-technology manufacturing environment. Working closely with the Operations Manager, Buyer, Stock Controller, Engineering, and Production teams to maintain smooth operational flow and high levels of on-time delivery.

Reporting, Location & Travel

This is a full-time, office-based role reporting to the Operations Manager. There may be an occasional requirement for national and international travel, primarily to meet suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Planning & Scheduling: Own the preparation, maintenance, and communication of short- and medium-term production plans, including Master Production Schedules (MPS). Balance demand, capacity, and material constraints to achieve delivery commitments.
• Planning Execution & Control: Monitor progress against the production plan, identify risks and bottlenecks, and proactively work with production and engineering teams to implement corrective actions.
• Materials & Purchasing Coordination: Work closely with the Buyer to ensure timely placement and expediting of purchase orders in line with the production plan. Highlight material risks, supplier delays, and shortages, and propose mitigation actions.
• Stock Control & Inventory Accuracy: Support and oversee goods-in, goods-out, and stock movement activities. Maintain a high level of stock accuracy through cycle counting, reconciliation, and system discipline.
• Shipping & Logistics Coordination: Coordinate shipments to customers, ensuring products are packed, documented, and dispatched in line with customer requirements, Incoterms, and export regulations where applicable.
• Operational Reporting & KPIs: Prepare and maintain operational reports relating to production status, material availability, delivery performance, and stock accuracy. Support the Operations Manager with data-driven insights.
• Continuous Improvement & Process Ownership: Actively identify opportunities to improve planning, material flow, and operational processes. Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures and planning disciplines.

Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following relevant skills and competencies:

• Attention to detail is essential, as is taking pride in your work
• Good numeracy skills are key
• Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate initiative

Candidates should assess their suitability against the following essential and/or desirable requirements:

• Although a scientific background may be useful, a commercial background and industry experience are valuable
• A solid understanding of ERP systems is appreciated

Employee Benefits

In return for a rewarding and fulfilling career, successful candidates can look forward to receiving a competitive salary, plus the following employee benefits:

• Holiday (Annual Leave Entitlement): Employees receive 25 days annual leave each year for use between January and December; this is in addition to Bank Holidays, of which there are typically eight. After five full holiday calendar years’ service, leave entitlement increases to give 26 days.
• Pension Scheme: Eligible employees will be automatically enrolled into the company’s Group Personal Pension Scheme with Royal London after completing three months’ service. The scheme is run on a salary sacrifice system with Pension contributions made at 6% Employer and 2% Employee, although employees may increase their contributions if they choose.
• Group Life Assurance: Employees are automatically enrolled into the Company’s GLA scheme which pays 4x salary in the event of death in service.
• Income Protection Scheme: The Company provides an income protection scheme which pays up to 75% of an Employee’s basic salary in the event of sickness or disability for more than 13 weeks. The scheme is available to all Employees between the ages of 16 and 70.
• Employee Assistance Programme: The Employee Assistance Programme is available to all Employees, providing free access to a confidential helpline for immediate help and support with any issues for Employees and their family, whether work related or personal.
• Private Healthcare: Employees are eligible to join the private medical insurance (PMI) scheme after 3 months service, with the company paying the full premium of single cover membership for employees. The scheme is considered as a taxable benefit. Employees can join the scheme at any time during their employment, with the option of extending cover to include a partner, children or family with the cost of extended cover deducted from month salary payments.

Full details of the Employee Benefits are available upon provisional offer of employment.