Production Planner

Searchability NS&D; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Searchability NS&D is recruiting for a Production Planner to join a secure, on-site role in Reading. The successful candidate will manage the Master Production Schedule, aligning forecasts with production needs and ensuring up-to-date MRP data to support manufacturing and supply chain activities.

You will collaborate with manufacturing, operations, suppliers and delivery teams, driving continuous improvement through KPI analysis and lean planning practices, while maintaining schedule integrity

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Master Production Schedule and keep forecast dates accurate.
• Plan manufacturing methods with time, cost and quality considerations while updating MRP data.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, supply chain, suppliers and delivery teams to balance production schedules.
• Support Lean Planning initiatives including Kanban, visual management and KPI monitoring.

Skills

Production planning

Engineering background

Material availability

MRP/ERP systems

Forecasting & replan

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional teamwork

KPI analysis

Lean Planning/Kanban

Job description

• 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