Manufacturing Planner in Leicester

Soane Britain is seeking an experienced and proactive Manufacturing Planner to join our manufacturing team in Leicester on an 18-month fixed-term contract. This role will play a key part in supporting the smooth coordination of production during a period of maternity cover. You will work closely with both internal and external workshops to ensure production is delivered on time, in full, and to our high-quality standards, aligning with the Soane Mission and Vision to uphold our commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration and excellence.

With an uncompromising commitment both to British manufacturing and to our customers worldwide, Soane’s mission is to design and make enduring and life-enhancing furniture, lighting, fabrics, and wallpapers. By working with a network of the finest craftspeople in Britain, we preserve traditional skills and nurture them for future generations. As well as working with independent craft workshops across Britain, we have developed our own substantial in-house manufacturing operations in Leicester and the South of England. We have thriving showrooms in London and New York where our passionate and committed team champions exceptional British craftsmanship.

Purpose of the Position

Reporting to the Manufacturing Operations Manager, the role will be responsible for day-to-day scheduling and management of our furniture and lighting orders, routed through a combination of our in-house and 3rd party workshops, ensuring the production schedule is created and accurately maintained. Communicating with both internal and external departments and workshops, you will accurately and effectively oversee the production of orders, from client deposit through to completion, on time and within budget. Due to the nature of the small team at Leicester, the role will require a can-do attitude, and the candidate must not be afraid to get stuck in with the task at hand, be enthusiastic and self-motivated. This role is suitable for someone with a keen eye for detail and the ability to achieve the excellent standards for which Soane Britain is well known.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordination of workload across both in-house and external workshops, ensuring each order is completed to the required standard and ready at least a week before its shipping date.
• Scheduling pre-QC visits to remote workshops.
• Maintain an accurate, achievable and well communicated production schedule.
• Receive deliveries from workshops and perform pre-quality inspections on all orders and work with Quality Control to resolve any quality related issues.
• Maintain relationships with workshops and suppliers to ensure delivery dates and quality are achievable.
• Approve high-value invoices in a timely manner.
• Provide accurate monthly output figures and 3rd Party stock reports.
• Provide estimated costs for custom and bespoke projects.
• Raise purchase orders for production and add information to order management sheets and schedules.
• Respond to technical and manufacturing queries raised by the wider team.
• Develop a detailed understanding of all manufacturing techniques used and the Soane product range.
• Regular visits to workshops are required.

Qualifications for the Position

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role within a manufacturing environment, preferably lighting and/or furniture.
• Experience using Microsoft Office based programs and SAP or a similar ERP system is desirable.
• Be confident working in Excel across multiple files.
• Strong collaborative skills and a confident and capable communicator.
• Be able to work to deadlines with strong planning, prioritisation, time management and problem-solving skills.
• Possess a keen eye for detail, with an appreciation for the highest quality craftsmanship and materials.
• Interest and existing knowledge of luxury furniture and lighting is an advantage.
• Full UK driving license.
• Availability to travel throughout the UK.