At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Planning team by coordinating orders and resources for smooth production.
- Company: Join a dynamic company focused on efficient workflows and teamwork.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for growth and learning in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of production and make a real difference in daily operations.
- Qualifications: A levels or equivalent, strong communication, and analytical skills.
The Role
In this role, you’ll play a key part in supporting the Planning team by ensuring all orders, materials, and resources are accurately prepared, coordinated, and available for production. You’ll also provide adaptable Procurement and administrative assistance across multiple departments, contributing to efficient workflows and helping keep day‑to‑day operations running smoothly throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a key link between the Customer Service, Board, Planning, and Logistics teams
- Process sales orders, prepare job bags, and ensure all new and amended orders are plan ready
- Liaise with external suppliers to ensure business requirements are met on time and in full
- Plan and coordinate the supply of raw materials, maintaining inventory levels within agreed control limits
- Support the creation and management of packing specifications
- Daily KPI reporting
- Contribute to Continuous Improvement projects across the site
- Provide support across departments as needed, including covering team duties during periods of annual leave
- Perform additional tasks that may vary in line with changing business needs
Experience, skills, education and qualifications required
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Educated to minimum A level standard (or equivalent)
- Experience in a production/manufacturing environment is desirable but not essential
- Excellent communication skills to liaise with cross functional teams and suppliers
- Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy
Competencies
- Effective Communication: Clearly articulates ideas, decisions, and feedback to team members, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
- Attention to Detail: Consistently maintains high standards of accuracy and quality across all tasks.
- Organisation: Prioritises workload effectively to meet deadlines and support operational efficiency.
- Decision Making: Evaluates situations accurately and makes sound, timely decisions to achieve the required outcomes.
- Problem Solving: Applies strong analytical skills to identify issues quickly and implement practical, effective solutions.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and delivers on commitments.
- Integrity: Shares information honestly, maintains confidentiality, and demonstrates reliability in all interactions.
- Rational Persuasion: Influences others logically, constructively, and with clarity to support collaborative working.
- Willingness to Learn: Actively pursues new knowledge, skills, and approaches to support ongoing development and improvement.
- Proactive Self‑Starter: Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and a continuous improvement mindset—actively seeking opportunities to enhance processes and add value across the business.
Other Requirements
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Comfortable working in a changing environment, taking on additional responsibilities when needed to meet business demands.
- Resilience to Change: Successfully adjusts to shifting priorities, conditions, and expectations while maintaining a high standard of performance.
Production Planning Assistant employer: WestRock Company
As an Ink Room Operative at our company, you will be part of a dynamic team that values quality and precision in a supportive work environment. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, all within a state-of-the-art facility that prioritises employee well-being and safety. Join us to contribute to meaningful projects while advancing your career in the vibrant print manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planning Assistant
✨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 WestRock Company, 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 Planning Assistant
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 WestRock Company 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 WestRock Company
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with WestRock Company, 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 WestRock Company 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.
