Job Title: Production Planner
Location: Gloucester
Pay Range: £30,000 - £35,000
Contract Type: Permanent
A growing manufacturing business is looking for an experienced Production Planner to take ownership of the day-to-day planning and coordination of production activities. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, this is a hands‑on role where you'll work closely with Production, Purchasing, Sales, Quality and Dispatch to ensure work flows efficiently through the factory and customer requirements are consistently achieved. This is not a role where you'll be sat away from operations simply moving dates around a system. You'll be actively involved with production teams, balancing customer demand against available capacity and making practical decisions to keep manufacturing on track.
Key Responsibilities - Production Planner
Production Planning & Scheduling:
- Create and maintain detailed production schedules.
- Review sales orders and stock agreement requirements.
- Create production and subcontract orders within the company database.
- Plan material picking, CNC machining, fabrication, assembly and packing activities.
- Balance customer requirements against machine and labour capacity.
- Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as priorities change.
- Identify potential delays before they impact delivery performance.
Production Coordination:
- Work closely with Production Team Leaders and operators to ensure production targets are achieved.
- Liaise with Purchasing to ensure materials are available when required.
- Coordinate subcontract operations and external suppliers where necessary.
- Maintain accurate planning information within company systems.
- Communicate realistic delivery dates and schedule changes to relevant departments.
- Support the smooth flow of work throughout the manufacturing process.
Continuous Improvement:
- Support improvements to production planning processes and efficiencies.
- Assist with longer‑term capacity and resource planning.
- Identify recurring planning issues and recommend practical solutions.
- Contribute to ongoing operational and manufacturing improvements.
Qualifications & Requirements - Production Planner
- Previous experience in Production Planning, Production Scheduling or Manufacturing Coordination.
- Experience using MRP and/or ERP systems.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and capacity planning.
- Experience within CNC machining, fabrication, engineering or a similar manufacturing environment would be advantageous.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Strong problem-solving ability and commercial awareness.
- Confident decision-maker able to work in a fast-moving environment
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel and production planning systems.
- Strong communication skills, able to engage with both office and shop-floor personnel.
- Ability to remain calm and organised under pressure.
- Solutions-focused mindset with a proactive approach to challenges.
What We're Looking For - Production Planner
- Strong understanding of manufacturing.
- A planner who can walk onto the factory floor, understand what's happening and make practical planning decisions.
- An individual who can adapt quickly when priorities change.
- A strong communicator who can build relationships across all departments.
- Someone who takes ownership
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Production Planner in Gloucester employer: Staffline
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Gloucester
✨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 Staffline, 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!
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 Staffline 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 Staffline
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Staffline, 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 Staffline 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.
