Production Controller/Material Planner

SII Group; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

SII UK is seeking an experienced Production Controller / Material Planner to optimize the flow of production in a technically demanding environment. You will manage scheduling, material availability, and kitting while coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time delivery.

The role requires hands-on SAP/MRP experience, strong data analysis, and a focus on continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing setting in the UK. Collaboration with procurement and logistics is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of production control, scheduling and material planning principles.
• Experience using SAP ERP or equivalent manufacturing planning systems.
• Understanding of MRP (Material Requirements Planning) processes.
• Knowledge of inventory control, stock management and kitting operations.
• Ability to analyse production data and make informed planning decisions.
• Strong problem-solving and shortage management skills.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation abilities.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel and production reporting tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Prepare production kits and release production orders.
• Execute SAP and associated system transactions.
• Sequence and schedule work orders across production areas.
• Maintain and update daily production schedules.
• Manage production disruptions, shortages, and recovery plans.
• Coordinate with material controllers and production teams.
• Balance workloads and maintain SAP priorities.

Skills

Production control

Material planning

SAP ERP

MRP

Inventory control

Excel

Kitting

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Shop floor awareness

Attention to detail

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

SII UK is seeking an experienced PRODUCTION CONTROLLER / MATERIAL PLANNER to support a complex manufacturing and assembly environment. This role is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of production activities through effective production control, scheduling, material availability management, and kitting support. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining production schedules, managing material shortages, coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensuring delivery commitments are achieved.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Production Control

• Prepare production kits and release production orders.
• Execute SAP and associated system transactions.
• Sequence and schedule work orders across production areas.
• Maintain and update daily production schedules.
• Manage production disruptions, shortages, and recovery plans.
• Coordinate with material controllers and production teams.
• Balance workloads and maintain SAP priorities.

Material Planning & Kitting Support

• Ensure material availability to support production requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels, storage, and stock accuracy.
• Support MRP activities and material planning processes.
• Manage shortages and implement recovery actions.
• Expedite suppliers and internal logistics to meet demand.
• Prioritise critical materials and components.
• Coordinate with Procurement and Supply Chain teams.
• Identify and mitigate material supply risks.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Strong knowledge of production control, scheduling and material planning principles.
• Experience using SAP ERP or equivalent manufacturing planning systems.
• Understanding of MRP (Material Requirements Planning) processes.
• Knowledge of inventory control, stock management and kitting operations.
• Ability to analyse production data and make informed planning decisions.
• Strong problem-solving and shortage management skills.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation abilities.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel and production reporting tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Previous experience in a Production Controller, Production Planner, Material Planner, Supply Chain Planner, Logistics Planner, or Manufacturing Planning role.
• Experience within a manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, defence, automotive, rail, or other highly regulated industrial environment.
• Proven experience managing production schedules and material availability.
• Hands-on experience using SAP for production and inventory transactions.
• Experience working with MRP systems and resolving supply chain shortages.
• Understanding of shop-floor manufacturing processes and production flows.
• Experience coordinating with procurement, logistics, stores, and production teams.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.

Desirable

• APICS/CPIM, CIPS, or similar Supply Chain qualification.
• Experience supporting low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and inventory optimisation techniques.

With five strategic offices in Belfast, Chester, Farnborough, London and Oxford, we work in partnership with our customers UK-wide to deliver high-impact engineering solutions.

SII UK is a trusted Aerospace and Defence engineering partner, supporting the delivery of complex, mission-critical programmes while helping to shape the future of innovation across next-generation systems and technologies.

Our teams contribute daily to creating a fulfilling, stimulating and career development focused work environment.

True to our human-centred values, we are committed to making SII UK a Great Place To Work®, having been certified 5 years running.

Joining SII UK means being part of our collective goals, guided by our mission “Let’s Tech Together,” and helping to build a digital future that is sustainable, at the heart of an environment that values learning & collaboration.