At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and maintain production plans while ensuring materials are available for smooth operations.
- Company: Join a growing manufacturing team in Cheshire with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, matched pension, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and international exposure.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions in a fast-paced setting and collaborate internationally.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning, strong Excel skills, and excellent communication abilities.
- Production Planner
- Salary: £36,000–£38,000 Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30am–5:00pm | Friday 8:30am–4:00pm
- Holiday: 25 days + bank holidays
- Pension: Matched contribution scheme between 4–10% Start
- Date: ASAP
The Opportunity
We’re looking for an experienced Production Planner to join a growing team based in Cheshire.
This is a key role within the planning function, responsible for ensuring production is planned and scheduled effectively, materials are available when required, and the wider supply chain operates smoothly.
You’ll work closely with the Planning Supervisor and a small, collaborative team, as well as liaising with Material Planners based in Poland.
It’s an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and wants a role with genuine responsibility and visibility across the operation.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Creating and maintaining production plans and schedules to meet customer and operational requirements.
- Balancing production capacity, demand, materials and available resources.
- Working closely with Material Planners in Poland to ensure materials are available to support the production plan.
- Coordinating with production, supply chain, procurement and other internal stakeholders.
- Monitoring production progress and adjusting schedules where required.
- Identifying potential supply or capacity issues before they impact production.
- Maintaining accurate planning information and ensuring systems and schedules remain up to date.
- Using data and reporting to identify opportunities to improve production efficiency and planning performance.
- Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the planning function.
- Communicating changes to production schedules clearly and effectively across the business.
- What Your Day-to-Day Will Look Like
No two days will be exactly the same.
You’ll be managing the production schedule, responding to changing priorities, checking material availability and working with colleagues across different functions and countries to keep everything moving.
You’ll need to be comfortable making decisions, prioritising competing demands and communicating effectively when plans need to change.
This is a role where attention to detail matters, but so does the ability to think ahead, solve problems and keep the bigger supply chain picture in mind.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for someone who already has experience in production planning, production scheduling or a closely related manufacturing planning role.
You'll ideally have
- Previous experience within production planning or scheduling.
- Experience working within a manufacturing or supply chain environment.
- Strong Excel skills and confidence working with data.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- The ability to identify problems and find practical solutions.
- Excellent communication skills.
- The confidence to work with colleagues across different departments and countries.
- A proactive approach and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Experience working within an international manufacturing or supply chain environment would be particularly advantageous.
The Team
You’ll report directly to the Planning Supervisor and join a close-knit planning team of four.
You’ll also work extensively with colleagues internationally, particularly the Material Planning team in Poland, making this a great opportunity for someone who enjoys a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
- What's On Offer
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
- Matched pension contribution of 4–10%
- Monday–Thursday 8:30am–5:00pm
- Friday 8:30am–4:00pm
- 39-hour working week
- Cheshire-based, 100% site-based role
- Opportunity to join an established and collaborative planning function
- International exposure through close working relationships with teams across Europe
- ASAP start available
If you’re an experienced Production Planner who enjoys working in a busy manufacturing environment, has strong Excel skills and wants a role where your planning decisions have a direct impact on production and the wider supply chain, we’d be keen to hear from you
Production Planner in Runcorn employer: Vickerstock
Join a leading engineering and manufacturing specialist in County Louth, where your role as an HR Business Partner will be pivotal in driving operational growth and fostering a collaborative culture. With a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, the company offers excellent career progression opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a range of benefits including a competitive pension scheme and enhanced annual leave. Experience a positive workplace culture that values innovation and teamwork while making a meaningful impact across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Runcorn
✨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 Vickerstock, 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 Production Planner in Runcorn
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 Vickerstock 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 Vickerstock
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Vickerstock, 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 Vickerstock 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.
