Established in 2009 in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, SHD Composite Materials Ltd is committed to providing exceptional levels of service and flexibility, supported by a wealth of experience within the composite materials industry. SHD manufactures a wide range of thermoset prepregs, including carbon, glass, aramid, natural and hybrid fabrics, and offers a toll impregnation service.
The purpose of this role is to support the Production Manager by preparing, maintaining and communicating an effective production plan. The Production Planner will help ensure materials, paperwork, stock allocation and production priorities are organised to support safe, efficient and quality-focused manufacturing.
Role Overview
In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the smooth and safe running of the production plan by preparing realistic schedules for fabric lines & UD lines, monitoring material availability, organising production paperwork and communicating priorities across Production, Sales, Stores, Goods Inwards/Despatch and other key departments.
Key Responsibilities
Always adhere to company Health and Safety procedures, including external compliance requirements such as COSHH.
Work to company quality standards, including AS9100 requirements and production tolerances, by maintaining full traceability of materials and processes.
Prepare, maintain and communicate weekly production schedules to support customer demand, production capacity and material availability.
Monitor the availability of raw materials in stores to support continuity of production and elevate shortages or risks promptly.
Use EFACS to support departments with data input, scanning, collation, reporting and production planning information.
Organise production paperwork for the following week to maintain a smooth flow while machines are in operation.
Ensure the production team is aware of customer-specific quality requirements before work is undertaken.
Monitor frequently used prepreg and raw material stock levels.
Allocate part rolls or older stock to appropriate jobs to promote good stock rotation and reduce waste.
Frequently review the stock reorder list and work with the Sales team to ensure reorder levels and quantities remain appropriate.
Allocate fabric and resin to customer and product specifications.
Attend the daily operations meeting and provide relevant production planning updates.
Monitor production progress against the plan and communicate changes, constraints or delays to relevant departments.
Support continuous improvement by identifying planning issues, production bottlenecks and opportunities to improve efficiency.
Maintain the highest standard of cleanliness and tidiness at all times.
Develop a close working relationship with all members of the Production Team to support shared ownership of the shop floor.
Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested.
Key Working Relationships
Health and Safety
Process Development and Training Manager
Production and Resin Team Leaders
Production Administrator
Goods Inwards/Despatch
Skills, Experience and Ability
Good standard of English and Maths.
Good computer skills, with the ability to use production, stock or business systems accurately.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy when preparing schedules, paperwork and stock information.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise work in a changing production environment.
Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to work as part of a team and encourage continual improvement.
Previous experience in manufacturing, production planning, stock control or production administration is desirable.
Experience using EFACS, ERP or MRP systems is desirable.
Positive and professional approach with a genuine interest in supporting SHD Composite Materials Ltd.
Friendly, flexible team player with a can-do attitude.
Calm, practical and solutions-focused when responding to changing priorities or production constraints.
Success Measures
Production paperwork is accurate, complete and available in good time.
Material availability, stock rotation and allocation are managed effectively.
Production plan changes, shortages and constraints are communicated clearly and promptly.
Production planning supports safe working, quality standards and on-time delivery.
Our employees are very important to us and job satisfaction is of paramount importance.
Therefore, in return you will receive a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to join a thriving company that offers excellent long-term prospects for progression.
This is a full-time position.
The closing date is 16th October, 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner
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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 SHD Composites Group 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 SHD Composites Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SHD Composites Group, 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 SHD Composites Group 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.
