At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production planning, materials coordination, and stock control in a dynamic team.
- Company: Established engineering and manufacturing business in St Leonards-on-Sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and full training.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in production planning with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: At least a year of experience in manufacturing or logistics; strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An established, specialist engineering and manufacturing business based in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex seeks a Production & Materials Planning Assistant to join its operations team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career who has at least a year of experience in a manufacturing, production, warehouse, or engineering environment and is looking to develop into a career in production planning, purchasing, and supply chain operations. You'll be joining a collaborative, technically focused team where planning, purchasing support, coordination, and material flow are essential to delivering high-quality, precision-engineered products on time. Full training and ongoing development will be provided, making this a strong development role for someone with the right attitude and ambition to grow.
The Production & Materials Planning Assistant Role
This role is a key support position within the operations function, assisting with production planning, materials coordination, purchasing activities, and stock control, ensuring smooth operational flow and reliable on-time delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Planning & Scheduling: Support the creation and maintenance of short- and medium-term production plans. Assist in balancing demand, capacity, and material availability. Help maintain and update Master Production Schedules (MPS).
- Planning Execution & Control: Monitor production progress against agreed plans. Highlight delays, shortages, or potential bottlenecks. Support senior team members in resolving planning issues.
- Materials & Purchasing Coordination: Assist with purchasing activities aligned to production requirements alongside the buyer. Help track supplier deliveries and material availability. Support expediting of orders and identification of supply risks.
- Stock Control & Inventory: Assist in maintaining accurate stock records. Support goods-in, goods-out, and internal stock movements. Help with cycle counts and stock reconciliation activities.
- Shipping & Logistics: Assist with coordination of customer shipments. Support packing, dispatch, and documentation preparation. Help ensure basic export and delivery requirements are met.
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement: Assist in producing basic operational reports and updates. Help track delivery performance and stock levels. Contribute ideas for improving processes and efficiency.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential: At least a year of experience in a manufacturing, production, warehouse, logistics, or engineering environment. Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn. Good numeracy and basic analytical ability. Reliable, organised, and able to follow structured processes. Genuine interest in production planning, purchasing, or supply chain operations.
Desirable: Exposure to ERP/MRP systems (training will be provided). Basic understanding of manufacturing, logistics, or inventory control. Interest in building a long-term career in operations, production, and manufacturing, planning or supply chain.
Benefits: 25 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with service). Company pension scheme. Life assurance (4x salary). Income protection scheme. Private healthcare. Employee assistance programme. Full training and development opportunities. Supportive and technically engaging working environment.
Production & Materials Planning Assistant in St Leonards employer: Senex Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Senex Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production & Materials Planning Assistant in St Leonards
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show genuine interest in their operations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to production planning and materials coordination. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Production & Materials Planning Assistant in St Leonards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in manufacturing or production environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or tasks you've tackled.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your genuine interest in production planning and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: In this role, attention to detail is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their best selves, so double-check everything before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest 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 Senex Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of production planning and materials coordination. Brush up on key terms and concepts related to supply chain operations, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Even if you only have a year of experience, think about specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your attention to detail and organisational skills. Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenges in a manufacturing or warehouse environment, as this will highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company's production processes or team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also gives you insight into whether the company culture aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
Since this role is about growth and development, express your eagerness to learn new skills, especially regarding ERP/MRP systems. Mention any relevant training or courses you've taken, and be open about your ambition to build a long-term career in operations.