Operations & Production Planning Manager

Purely Recruitment Solutions; Lambourn Woodlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

20 days Holiday + BH

Pension scheme

Job summary

Purely Recruitment Solutions in Lambourn Woodlands is seeking an Operations & Production Planning Manager to coordinate daily blending, toll manufacturing and packaging schedules, ensuring on-time delivery.

You will lead production supervisors and operators, drive safety, and apply lean manufacturing principles to improve yield and reduce waste while coordinating resources and downtime with maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of operational management in a fast-paced planning environment.
• Experience with MRP/ERP systems and production scheduling.
• Proven track record leading diverse production teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and direct daily blending, toll manufacturing, and packaging.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental standards on site.
• Lead, mentor, and upskill production staff.
• Identify bottlenecks and apply lean manufacturing to boost yield.
• Manage labour, raw materials, and equipment scheduling.
• Balance customer orders with internal production needs.
• Plan downtime with Projects and Maintenance to minimise disruption.
• Collaborate with QA to ensure ISO standards compliance.
• Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Production planning

MRP/ERP systems

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Tools

SAGE 200

Job description

Not sure what skills you will need for this opportunity Simply read the full description below to get a complete picture of candidate requirements.

Lambourn Woodlands

Full Time – Permanent

Monday – Friday (Days)

Salary is dependent on experience

We are currently recruiting for an Operations & Production Planning Manager to join our client based in Lambourn Woodlands.

Our client is a leading independent contract chemical manufacturer and toll blender. Established in 1970, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality bespoke chemical manufacturing, liquid and powder blending, solvent recycling, and packing solutions. Operating from a modern, fully permitted site, they serve diverse industries across the UK and Europe—combining rigorous quality standards with a strong commitment to environmental standards & sustainability.

The privately owned company has seen recent growth through various product and market sectors, and as a result we are looking for a talented and keen individual to fill this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Leadership: Plan, coordinate, and direct all daily chemical blending, toll manufacturing, and packaging schedules to ensure on-time delivery.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure health, safety, and environmental standards across the site, aligning operations with relevant standards.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and upskill production supervisors, chemical operators, to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Process Optimisation: Identify operational bottlenecks and implement lean manufacturing principles to boost yield, minimise waste, and improve resource utilisation.
• Resource Allocation: Manage labour, raw materials, and equipment scheduling to control manufacturing and optimise plant capacity.
• Balance customer orders with internal production requirements to support line operations
• Manage short and long-term customer order changes and adjust the production schedule accordingly
• Work with Projects and Maintenance teams to plan scheduled downtime while minimising disruption to customer deliveries
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• Quality Assurance: Working closely with the laboratory and quality control teams to ensure all final products consistently meet client specifications and ISO standards.

Required / Useful Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of operational management experience in a fast paced planning / operational environment, this does not necessarily need to be chemical related
• Technical Skills: Must be Proficient across all standard I.T formats, MRP / ERP systems, SAGE 200 desirable, production scheduling, daily problem solving
• Leadership: Proven track record of managing diverse production teams and driving a positive workplace culture.
• Role : Whilst office based this is a busy role, you will be covering the manufacturing site regularly, interacting with staff and performing functions in line with the role.

Benefits

• Free parking
• 20 days Holiday + BH
• Pension scheme

By applying for this role you give permission for Purely Recruitment to submit your personal information contained within your CV or any other relevant information provided in order for the prospective employer to review your application for the specific role applied for. Purely recruitment will not submit or use your personal information for any other purposes other than for searching for alternative employment