Production Planner & Controller

Livevacancies; Hardwicke; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Livevacancies is seeking a detail-oriented Production Planner & Controller to manage production schedules and coordinate material availability. You will align production with demand, maintain inventory levels and support OTIF performance across multiple lines.

The role requires 5+ years in production planning or manufacturing, strong MRP/ERP and Excel skills, and a collaborative approach with Sales, Procurement and Engineering. An emphasis on process improvement and safety is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or relevant time-served experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in production planning, scheduling or manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, inventory forecasting and production scheduling.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and production planning software skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working directly with internal customers and delivering high levels of service.
• Experience within an engineering, manufacturing or project-based environment is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of SAGE 200 would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Strong understanding of process improvement and Lean principles.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management, communication and coordination skills.
• Proactive, positive and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with short lead times and changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly and monthly production schedules.
• Own the master production schedule, ensuring alignment with sales forecasts, project timelines and capacity.
• Coordinate production workflows across multiple products and manufacturing lines.
• Monitor inventory levels, material availability, lead times and stock turnover.
• Work closely with Procurement to expedite raw materials and components where required.
• Review sales forecasts and customer orders to plan capacity requirements.
• Track production progress and adjust schedules to minimise delays.
• Identify and mitigate risks relating to material shortages or production delays.
• Analyse production data and prepare performance reports.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
• Maintain accurate production paperwork and planning records.
• Communicate production priorities to supervisors and manufacturing teams.
• Act as a key contact for Customer Relations regarding delivery commitments, lead times and order updates.
• Work with Sales and Account Management to understand customer priorities and align production accordingly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with safety, quality and company standards.

Skills

Production planning

Scheduling

Lean principles

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

SAGE 200

Production planning software

Job description

Production Planner & Controller

We are looking for a detail-oriented and organised Production Planner & Controller to manage production schedules, coordinate material availability and support efficient manufacturing operations. Working closely with Customer Relations, Sales, Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain and Production, you will play a key role in aligning production with demand, maintaining inventory levels and supporting OTIF performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly and monthly production schedules.
• Own the master production schedule, ensuring alignment with sales forecasts, project timelines and capacity.
• Coordinate production workflows across multiple products and manufacturing lines.
• Monitor inventory levels, material availability, lead times and stock turnover.
• Work closely with Procurement to expedite raw materials and components where required.
• Review sales forecasts and customer orders to plan capacity requirements.
• Track production progress and adjust schedules to minimise delays.
• Identify and mitigate risks relating to material shortages or production delays.
• Analyse production data and prepare performance reports.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
• Maintain accurate production paperwork and planning records.
• Communicate production priorities to supervisors and manufacturing teams.
• Act as a key contact for Customer Relations regarding delivery commitments, lead times and order updates.
• Work with Sales and Account Management to understand customer priorities and align production accordingly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with safety, quality and company standards.

Knowledge and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or relevant time-served experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in production planning, scheduling or manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, inventory forecasting and production scheduling.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and production planning software skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working directly with internal customers and delivering high levels of service.
• Experience within an engineering, manufacturing or project-based environment is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of SAGE 200 would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Strong understanding of process improvement and Lean principles.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management, communication and coordination skills.
• Proactive, positive and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with short lead times and changing priorities.