Production Planning Analyst

Polytec Personnel Ltd; Witchford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing organisation in Ely is seeking a Production Planning Analyst to enhance production planning and operational performance through data-driven analysis and ERP system optimisation. This position involves ensuring achievable production plans, collaborating with multiple teams, and driving continuous improvement in a dynamic production environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate and maintain achievable production plans.
• Collaborate with Inventory Control and Purchasing.
• Support change and improvement opportunities with global teams.
• Drive lead‑time improvement initiatives.
• Provide planning insights in daily Tier 3 meetings.

Skills

Data mining

Report building

Dashboarding using ERP

Lean manufacturing techniques

Continuous improvement methods

Tools

D365

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Location: Ely (CB6)

Type: Permanent

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Fully Onsite)

Salary: Competitive

Job Reference:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Production Planning Analyst to join a leading manufacturing organisation in Ely. This role plays a key part in strengthening production planning and operational performance through data‑driven analysis and ERP system optimisation.

Acting as a bridge between office and manufacturing environments, you will support value stream improvement initiatives, drive planning accuracy, and enable informed decision‑making. Working closely with the Value Stream Planning Manager and Business Unit Leaders, you will help deliver efficient, reliable, and lean‑led planning processes across the business unit.

Responsibilities

• Generate and maintain achievable production plans to meet promised delivery dates, matching MRP demand with works orders based on stock availability and capacity.
• Collaborate with Inventory Control, Purchasing, and other Planning team members to ensure planned demand is achievable and parts are available (MRP, supermarket inventories, kanban).
• Work with global and cross‑functional teams to support change and improvement opportunities.
• Analyse sales demand trends and drive lead‑time improvement initiatives.
• Attend and contribute to daily Tier 3 meetings, providing planning insights and updates.
• Develop and optimise MRP settings, attending D365/ERP meetings to collaborate on system improvements.
• Analyse business unit KPI reports to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Use data to enhance visual management and decision‑making on the shop floor.
• Visit production areas regularly to validate data accuracy and align office planning with shop‑floor realities.
• Act as the key contact for upcoming NPI and custom product releases.
• Participate in obsolescence planning, providing warehouse depletion timelines and updates to relevant teams.
• Support or lead office‑based initiatives that drive operational changes on the shop floor.
• Take part in problem‑solving events using tools such as 5 Whys, Ishikawa, PDCA, and A3 to drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Advanced user of ERP/MRP systems, with proven ability to configure, optimise, and drive process improvements (experience with D365 highly desirable).
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in data mining, report building, and dashboarding using ERP, Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.
• In‑depth understanding of BOM structures, routings, and lead‑time management.
• Familiarity with flow‑based production principles, pull systems, and takt time concepts is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques and continuous improvement methods.
• Excellent computer literacy and understanding of ERP systems.
• Positive, flexible approach to continuous improvement and problem‑solving.
• Willingness to adjust hours as needed to support onsite production scheduling.

Please contact us as soon as possible for more details or apply below.