Production Planner

Nicholas Associates; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates in Sheffield is seeking a Production Planner to develop and execute agile daily and weekly production schedules based on forecasts, inventory levels and customer orders.

You will liaise with workshop teams, dispatch and senior management to monitor KPIs, minimize disruptions, and ensure compliant documentation and audit trails for VAT and purchasing.

Qualifications

• Proven Planning Background: strong track record in production planning, scheduling, or operational coordination.
• Analytical thinker: interpret forecasts, lead times, and inventory data to build schedules.
• Natural problem solver: calm under pressure, proactive with disruptions and bottlenecks.
• Strong communicator: liaise with stakeholders from shop floor to senior management.
• Detail-oriented: ensure data accuracy and audit trails for VAT.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute agile daily and weekly production schedules based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and customer order books.
• Manage daily time-booking data entry against operational plans to monitor labour and line efficiency.
• Evaluate and allocate raw materials and machinery capacity to guarantee seamless production readiness.
• Deliver comprehensive, real-time updates regarding manufacturing status, KPIs, and operational roadblocks to senior leadership.
• Partner with workshop teams to mitigate line disruptions and productivity bottlenecks.
• Coordinate with dispatch teams to execute the master transport plan and provide regular client updates.
• Review and approve critical technical and manufacturing documentation prior to shop-floor release.
• Maintain audit trails by digitizing paperwork, collect POD records for VAT compliance, and raise purchase orders.

Skills

Production planning

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strong communicator

Detail oriented

Job description

About the job

Position : Production Planner

Location : Sheffield

Sector : Production

Salary: Up to £35,000

Responsibilities

• Production Scheduling: Develop and execute agile daily and weekly production schedules based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and customer order books.
• Data & Performance Tracking: Manage daily time-booking data entry against operational plans to monitor labour and line efficiency.
• Resource Optimization: Evaluate and allocate raw materials and machinery capacity to guarantee seamless production readiness.
• Management Reporting: Deliver comprehensive, real-time updates regarding manufacturing status, KPIs, and operational roadblocks to senior leadership.
• Problem Solving: Partner directly with the workshop teams to swiftly mitigate line disruptions and root-cause productivity bottlenecks.
• Client & Logistics Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for external clients, providing regular manufacturing updates while coordinating with dispatch teams to execute the master transport plan.
• Document & Quality Control: Review and approve critical technical and manufacturing documentation prior to formal shop-floor release.
• Compliance & Administration: Maintain rigorous audit trails by digitizing related paperwork, collecting Proof of Delivery (POD) records for VAT compliance, and raising purchase orders.

About You

• Proven Planning Background: You have a strong track record in production planning, scheduling, or operational coordination within a manufacturing environment.
• Analytical Thinker: You can easily interpret sales forecasts, lead times, and inventory data to build realistic, efficient production schedules.
• Natural Problem Solver: You stay calm under pressure, with a proactive approach to handling line disruptions, bottlenecks, and sudden schedule changes.
• Strong Communicator: You are confident liaising with stakeholders at all levels, from shop floor teams and dispatch to senior management and external clients.
• Detail-Oriented: You take pride in data accuracy, whether you are auditing technical paperwork, managing time bookings, or securing audit trails for VAT purposes