At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production scheduling and ensure alignment with customer demand and inventory levels.
- Company: Join a leading UK pharmaceutical manufacturer dedicated to high-quality healthcare products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, great benefits, and the chance to influence key business decisions.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while collaborating with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Materials Planning Manager
Location: Merseyside, UK
Department: Operations
Reports To: Operations Director
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
This position is within a leading UK-based pharmaceutical manufacturing business committed to delivering high-quality healthcare products to UK and global markets. With a strong reputation built on compliance, innovation, and customer focus, the Southport manufacturing facility plays a vital role in supplying critical medicines and health products under MHRA-regulated conditions.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Materials Planning Manager to lead the development and execution of a robust production schedule for a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Southport. This pivotal role ensures alignment between customer demand, factory capability, inventory levels, and raw material availability. As the Senior Production Planner, you will act as the central point of coordination across purchasing, warehouse, production, packaging, and sales teams (both UK and export). You will be a key member of the senior site leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of operations and regularly engaging with the Managing Director and key customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Planning & Scheduling - Develop and manage the master production schedule in alignment with long-term sales forecasts. - Ensure manufacturing capacity and material availability meet customer requirements and business objectives. - Balance short-term responsiveness with long-term strategic planning.
- Cross-Functional Coordination - Collaborate daily with Sales, Purchasing, Warehouse, Production, and Packaging teams to ensure seamless execution of the schedule. - Monitor and adjust plans based on changes in demand, supply chain constraints, or manufacturing issues.
- Customer and Commercial Alignment - Work closely with the UK Managing Director, and the UK and export sales teams to translate forecasts into operational plans. - Ensure visibility of forecast changes and their impact on the production schedule. - Build strong relationships with key customers and support regular communication on schedule adherence and supply planning.
- Compliance & Quality - Ensure all planning activities support MHRA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements. -- Maintain accurate records and support internal/external audits as needed.
- Leadership & Communication - Participate actively in the senior site leadership team, providing insights into capacity, scheduling risks, and improvement opportunities. - Report regularly to the Operations Director and communicate key updates to the Managing Director. - Facilitate regular S&OP meetings to drive alignment and accountability.
Key Requirements Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience in Sales & Operations Planning, Production Planning, or Supply Chain Management within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of MHRA GMP and GDP compliance standards and how they relate to production planning.
- Demonstrated success in coordinating cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, including customers and senior executives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Highly organised with attention to detail and a proactive mindset.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with international logistics and export regulations in a pharmaceutical context.
Why Apply?
- Be part of a purpose-driven company supplying essential healthcare products.
- Influence key business decisions as a member of the senior site leadership team.
- Collaborate with a passionate, committed team in a dynamic and regulated environment.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
Please apply today by sending in your CV to this advert!
Materials Planning Manager employer: RBW Consulting
Join a leading UK-based pharmaceutical manufacturing business in Southport, where your role as a Materials Planning Manager will not only influence key operational decisions but also contribute to the delivery of essential healthcare products. With a strong commitment to compliance and innovation, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values employee growth and offers a competitive salary and benefits package, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Planning Manager
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like RBW Consulting. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like RBW Consulting.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like RBW Consulting. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what RBW Consulting is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at RBW Consulting!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show RBW Consulting that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at RBW Consulting!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At RBW Consulting, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at RBW Consulting
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at RBW Consulting that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with RBW Consulting’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.