At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the weekly production schedule and ensure smooth operations across multiple sites.
- Company: Family-run engineering business with nearly 50 years of experience in high-quality manufacturing.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising production processes and enhancing efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning, strong Excel skills, and a collaborative mindset.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Hartwell Manufacturing is a family-run engineering business with nearly 50 years of experience delivering high-quality acoustic enclosures and heavy steel fabrication projects. Operating from its Ossett headquarters with additional manufacturing sites in Sheffield and Bradford, the business supports clients across the power, data centre and industrial sectors and is known for its hands-on, operational culture.
The Role
Hartwell Manufacturing is seeking a Production Planner to take ownership of the weekly production schedule across three manufacturing sites. The role works closely with Site Managers and Operations teams to ensure production plans are realistic, resources are aligned and delivery commitments are met. A key part of the role is monitoring labour hours against quoted allowances and highlighting risks to cost, efficiency and programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Create, maintain and issue the weekly production schedule across all three sites
- Liaise with Site Managers and Production Supervisors to confirm capacity and labour availability
- Balance customer demand with production capability when building schedules
- Monitor progress against plan and adjust schedules due to breakdowns, labour shortages or material issues
- Communicate programme changes clearly to relevant stakeholders
- Track actual labour hours against quoted or planned allowances
- Identify trends, variances or inefficiencies and escalate where required
- Highlight risks to programme, cost or delivery performance
- Work closely with Supply Chain to ensure materials support the production plan
- Track and report schedule adherence, labour efficiency and constraints
- Support continuous improvement in planning, sequencing and workflow
- Maintain accurate planning and costing data using Excel and internal systems
- Participate in weekly production and operations meetings
- Build effective working relationships across operations and commercial teams
Skills and Experience
- Experience in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing environment
- Experience tracking labour or production performance against plan or quote
- Strong Excel capability
- Understanding of job costing, estimating or project-based manufacturing
- Confident communicator with the ability to challenge constructively
- Strong organisational and analytical skills
Personal Attributes
- Takes ownership of planning and performance visibility
- Comfortable working with numbers and operational data
- Calm and resilient under pressure
- Collaborative, practical and commercially aware
Production Planner in Wakefield employer: Recreo Global
Contact Detail:
Recreo Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Hartwell Manufacturing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Hartwell’s projects and their operational culture. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. As a Production Planner, you’ll need to liaise with various teams. Being clear and confident in your discussions will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planner in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your production planning experience and any relevant achievements that show you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Hartwell Manufacturing. Mention specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage production schedules and work collaboratively with teams.
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel capability is key for this role, consider including examples of how you've used Excel in your previous jobs. Whether it's tracking performance or creating reports, let us know how you’ve made data work for you.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recreo Global
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Hartwell Manufacturing. Understand their history, values, and the sectors they operate in. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Master the Production Planning Basics
Brush up on your production planning knowledge, especially in a manufacturing context. Be ready to discuss how you would create and adjust schedules, manage resources, and handle unexpected issues like breakdowns or labour shortages. Use specific examples from your past experience to illustrate your points.
✨Show Off Your Excel Skills
Since strong Excel capability is crucial for this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with it. Think of examples where you've used Excel for tracking performance or managing data. If possible, mention any advanced functions or tools you’re familiar with that could benefit the production planning process.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Production Planner, you'll need to liaise with various teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you would communicate changes in the production schedule and how you handle constructive challenges with colleagues.