Production Planner

Searchability NS&D; Normanton on Trent; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Searchability NS&D in Reading is seeking an experienced Production Planner to maintain the Master Production Schedule and ensure forecasted dates and requirements are accurate. You will coordinate with manufacturing, supply chain and suppliers to balance production workloads and uphold delivery promises.

The role emphasizes lean planning, Kanban and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on KPIs and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Experience in production planning within manufacturing or engineering.
• Knowledge of machining processes and manufacturing routes.
• Experience planning with MRP/ERP systems and KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Master Production Schedule and ensure forecast dates are accurate.
• Plan manufacturing methods considering time, cost and quality.
• Monitor material availability and resolve planning challenges across teams.

Skills

Production Planning

MRP/ERP

Lean Planning

Kanban

Forecasting

Stakeholder Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

KPI Analysis

Tools

MRP/ERP software

Job description

PRODUCTION PLANNER

• £31.79 per hour via Umbrella
• Contract until 31/12/2027 | 37 hours per week
• Reading – full-time on-site
• Active SC clearance required | Must be eligible for DV clearance

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Our client is a leading organisation operating within a highly secure engineering and manufacturing environment, delivering critical programmes through precision planning, operational excellence and continuous improvement. You will work closely with manufacturing, supply chain and operational teams to ensure production demands are accurately planned and delivered. Due to continued programme requirements, they are looking for an experienced Production Planner to join their team.

THE PRODUCTION PLANNER ROLE:

As Production Planner, you will support the maintenance of the Master Production Schedule and ensure forecast dates and production requirements remain accurate. You will plan manufacturing methods with consideration for time, cost and quality, while ensuring MRP data is kept up to date.

You will work across manufacturing, supply chain, suppliers and delivery teams to manage material availability, resolve planning challenges and maintain balanced production schedules. You will also support Lean Planning initiatives, including visual management, Kanban and Push/Pull processes, while monitoring KPIs and driving continuous improvement.

PRODUCTION PLANNER ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Proven experience in Production Planning within manufacturing or precision engineering
• Engineering or manufacturing background with knowledge of machining processes and manufacturing routes
• Experience managing production schedules, material availability and supply chain challenges
• Strong understanding of MRP or ERP systems
• Experience reforecasting and adjusting plans in response to changing requirements
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience working with manufacturing, operations, suppliers and customer-facing teams
• Strong planning, reporting and KPI analysis skills
• Experience with Lean Planning, Production Control, Kanban or visual management