At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production planning and scheduling in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing company focused on efficiency and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a team that values leadership and fosters professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising production and driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Production Planning Manager to lead the planning and scheduling function within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing production plans that maximise manufacturing efficiency, optimise inventory levels, and ensure customer orders are delivered on time and in full.
Working closely with Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Customer Service, the Production Planning Manager will balance demand with manufacturing capacity, ensuring the effective utilisation of people, equipment, and materials while driving continuous improvement across planning processes. This role requires a proactive leader with strong analytical skills, excellent commercial awareness, and a proven ability to manage complex production schedules within a high-volume manufacturing operation.
Key Responsibilities:- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop, implement, and manage short, medium, and long-term production plans aligned with customer demand and business objectives.
- Create detailed production schedules that optimise labour, machinery, and material utilisation.
- Monitor production capacity and identify constraints, implementing solutions to maximise operational efficiency.
- Ensure production plans are achievable while maintaining high service levels and operational flexibility.
- Review daily production performance and adjust schedules to minimise disruption.
- Coordinate production priorities across multiple manufacturing lines or facilities.
- Manage finite capacity planning to ensure optimum use of manufacturing resources.
- Demand & Supply Planning
- Collaborate with Sales and Customer Service to review customer forecasts and order requirements.
- Translate sales forecasts into achievable manufacturing plans.
- Work closely with Procurement to ensure raw materials and components are available to support production schedules.
- Monitor inventory levels to balance stock availability with inventory carrying costs.
- Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) activities through accurate demand and capacity reporting.
- Inventory Management
- Maintain optimal inventory levels for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
- Minimise obsolete and excess inventory through effective planning and forecasting.
- Identify opportunities to improve inventory turnover and working capital performance.
- Monitor stock accuracy and support cycle counting activities.
- Operational Performance
- Drive improvements in production schedule adherence and manufacturing efficiency.
- Monitor key performance indicators including: Schedule adherence, On-Time In-Full (OTIF), Production attainment, Inventory accuracy, Capacity utilisation, Forecast accuracy, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Produce regular planning reports and performance dashboards for senior management.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Production Planning team.
- Establish clear objectives and performance measures.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and identify development opportunities.
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify planning inefficiencies and implement process improvements.
- Lead planning improvement projects to reduce lead times and improve customer service.
- Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Standardise planning procedures and ensure best practice is followed across the business.
- Drive improvements in ERP planning parameters and system accuracy.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Manufacturing Managers to optimise production flow.
- Partner with Procurement to manage supplier constraints and material shortages.
- Collaborate with Engineering regarding new product introductions and engineering changes.
- Support Quality teams in managing production priorities relating to quality issues.
- Communicate effectively with Customer Service regarding delivery commitments and schedule changes.
- Systems & Data Management
- Maintain accurate planning data within ERP/MRP systems.
- Ensure Bills of Materials, routings, and planning parameters remain accurate.
- Analyse production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Develop planning reports using Excel, Power BI, or similar reporting tools.
- Proven experience as a Production Planning Manager, Planning Manager, Supply Chain Planning Manager, or Senior Production Planner within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of production planning, scheduling, forecasting, and capacity planning.
- Experience using ERP/MRP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, Epicor, or similar.
- Excellent understanding of manufacturing processes and lean principles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with Power BI or similar reporting tools is advantageous.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to prioritise multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong leadership and team development capability.
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Business, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- APICS/CPIM, CILT, or relevant professional qualification desirable.
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification advantageous.
Materials Manager in Redditch employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while being part of a high-performing team dedicated to driving success. The company values operational excellence and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Manager in Redditch
✨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 SF Partners, 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 Materials Manager in Redditch
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 SF Partners 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 SF Partners
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SF Partners, 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 SF Partners 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.
