At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of production control and ensure smooth operations from planning to delivery.
- Company: Join a leading manufacturing company focused on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, flexible hours, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in production while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MRP experience and strong Excel skills are essential; previous production planning experience is a plus.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a supportive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The post holder will be responsible for full ownership of production control for either assembly or manufacturing. This role will oversee the full production lifecycle from high level strategic planning through to value stream planning and scheduling and MRP maintenance thereafter. Key contributor to the PRR process in ensuring demand is coming to production in a ready state. Oversee the feedback from production on progress to plan whilst ensuring customer delivery is met. Applying continuous improvement methods in regard to planning/production control activities.
Responsibilities:
- Link with planners within the department to ensure works orders created in line with planners' tactical plan to support the production system.
- Works order management from the MRP system to ensure MRP inputs are clean to support the production system.
- Ownership of works order closure to support operational delivery - supported by planners in this activity as and when required.
- Maintain the MRP system through reschedules and cancellations, liaising with stores/ops and mitigating risk through transactions performed.
- Maintain daily and weekly KPIs against departmental deliverables.
- Daily input into stores tactical plan movement after liaison with planners on any operational tactical movement within the production system and ensuring reflecting on internal processes that communicate with supply.
- Development and maintenance of PRR process to ensure milestone readiness for production - linked with planners to highlight risk and ensure visible through WAR system where applicable.
- Build and develop strong long‐lasting collaborative relationships with the cross functional teams.
- Attend Operational WAR to support problem solving activity to support achievement of the plan.
- Carry out any other tasks necessary for the smooth running of the operational planning and control department, supporting peers by stepping in when required to address ad‐hoc or higher demand in other areas.
- Problem solve production control issues prior to impact, ensuring the resolution supports both TAS and the customer.
- Escalate to functional Lead on production control issues prior to internal and external customer impact so problem solving can occur, after all options for resolution have been exhausted.
- Support in the weekly/monthly/annual stock take process inclusive of works order wip counts through generation of reports, circulation to area owners, management of closure per area within the time frame and transactions performed to support MRP signals.
- Generation of other documents to include SWOI and load sequences.
- Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company procedures.
- Ensuring health and safety requirements are always met.
Requirements:
- MRP experience and good level of MS Excel knowledge.
- Educated to GCSE Level, Grades A*-C, or equivalent (including Maths & English).
- Previous experience in Production Control/Planning, preferably within a Manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience in improving efficiencies.
- Highly organised.
- Strong problem‐solving skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
We reserve the right to enhance criteria on shortlisting. Thompson Aero Seating is an Equal Opportunities employer.
The closing date for applications is the 22nd March 2026 at 17:00.
For further information contact careers@thompsonaero.com.
Operational Controller in Portadown employer: Thompson Aero Seating
Contact Detail:
Thompson Aero Seating Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Controller in Portadown
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Thompson Aero Seating. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to production control and MRP systems. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your problem-solving skills effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your continuous improvement mindset! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved efficiencies in past roles. This will resonate well with the hiring team looking for someone who can drive operational excellence.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Controller in Portadown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operational Controller role. Highlight your MRP experience and any relevant production control skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Since problem-solving is key in this role, include examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous positions. We want to know how you think on your feet and ensure smooth operations!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompson Aero Seating
✨Know Your MRP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your MRP system knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've managed works orders and maintained MRP inputs in previous roles. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Operational Controller position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled production control issues in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced, the steps you took to resolve them, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to think on your feet and contribute to the team effectively.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with planners and cross-functional teams, be ready to share experiences where you've built strong relationships. Discuss how collaboration has led to successful project outcomes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Familiarise yourself with continuous improvement methods relevant to production control. Be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or participated in that improved efficiencies. This shows that you're proactive and committed to enhancing operational processes.