Production Planner / Buyer

Bennett & Game Recruitment; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Bennett & Game Recruitment is seeking a Production Planner / Buyer in Milton Keynes to own production planning, material purchasing and supplier management in a busy subcontract manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities include expediting materials, coordinating subcontract processes and ensuring on-time delivery while controlling costs. The role calls for ERP/MRP and Excel proficiency, and a strong commercial mindset.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in production planning and purchasing within a manufacturing environment.
• Background in sheet metalwork, fabrication or engineering subcontract manufacturing.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes including laser cutting, CNC folding, welding, fabrication and assembly.
• Experience purchasing sheet materials and managing supplier lead times.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing sheet metal, components, fixings and consumables to meet production requirements while controlling costs and stock levels.
• Supporting quality investigations, audits, corrective actions and the development of quality Planning and scheduling manufacturing jobs, balancing customer delivery dates with machine capacity, labour availability and material lead times.
• Obtaining supplier quotations, placing purchase orders, negotiating pricing and lead times, and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Coordinating subcontract processes, including machining, plating and other specialist finishing operations.
• Monitoring work in progress, identifying potential bottlenecks and proactively resolving issues that could affect production schedules and delivery dates.
• Expediting outstanding materials and subcontract work to ensure jobs progress through the factory without unnecessary delays.
• Working closely with Production, Sales, Engineering and external suppliers to maintain accurate schedules and provide reliable delivery information.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings to identify material, component and manufacturing requirements.
• Identifying opportunities to improve production flow, reduce lead times, minimise material waste and improve on-time delivery.
• Taking ownership of jobs from start to finish, ensuring production and purchasing activities remain aligned with customer requirements.

Skills

Production planning

Purchasing

Reading drawings

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position: Production Planner / Buyer

Salary: GBP38,000 - GBP44,000

Location: Milton Keynes

Production Planner / Buyer required. Our client is a well-established manufacturing business specialising in sheet metalwork, fabrication and subcontract manufacturing, seeking a proactive and commercially minded Production Planner / Buyer to join the team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing professional to take ownership of production planning, material purchasing and supplier management within a busy subcontract manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring materials are available, production runs efficiently and customer orders are delivered on time.

Production Planner / Buyer Position Overview

• Purchasing sheet metal, components, fixings and consumables to meet production requirements while controlling costs and stock levels.
• Supporting quality investigations, audits, corrective actions and the development of quality Planning and scheduling manufacturing jobs, balancing customer delivery dates with machine capacity, labour availability and material lead times.
• Obtaining supplier quotations, placing purchase orders, negotiating pricing and lead times, and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
• Coordinating subcontract processes, including machining, plating and other specialist finishing operations.
• Monitoring work in progress, identifying potential bottlenecks and proactively resolving issues that could affect production schedules and delivery dates.
• Expediting outstanding materials and subcontract work to ensure jobs progress through the factory without unnecessary delays.
• Working closely with Production, Sales, Engineering and external suppliers to maintain accurate schedules and provide reliable delivery information.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings to identify material, component and manufacturing requirements.
• Identifying opportunities to improve production flow, reduce lead times, minimise material waste and improve on-time delivery.
• Taking ownership of jobs from start to finish, ensuring production and purchasing activities remain aligned with customer requirements.

Production Planner / Buyer Position Requirements

• Previous experience in production planning and purchasing within a manufacturing environment.
• Ideally, a background in sheet metalwork, fabrication or engineering subcontract manufacturing.
• A good understanding of manufacturing processes, including laser cutting, CNC folding, welding, fabrication and assembly.
• Experience purchasing sheet materials and managing supplier and subcontractor lead times.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and understand material and component requirements.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to liaise with production teams, suppliers and other departments.
• A commercially aware approach to purchasing, with an understanding of cost control, stock management and delivery performance.
• A proactive, practical approach to problem-solving, with a strong sense of ownership and a focus on continuous improvement.

Production Planner / Buyer Position Remuneration

• Salary of GBP38,000 - GBP44,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Full-time, permanent position.
• 40-hour working week.
• Opportunity to join an established manufacturing business with a supportive and team-focused working environment.