Production Planning Apprentice

COGENT SKILLS LIMITED; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension 5%/3%

Eyecare

Onsite parking

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Arxada is seeking a motivated Production Planning Apprentice at Huddersfield to gain hands-on experience in production planning, inventory management, logistics and supply chain operations while working toward a Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner qualification.

This apprenticeship runs for 28 months, with start in Dec 2026/Jan 2027, 37.5 hours per week, 08:00–16:00, and training delivered by Smart Training and Recruitment through monthly virtual lessons plus on-the-job learning.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths
• Interest in supply chain, planning, logistics, or manufacturing operations
• Basic IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel

Responsibilities

• Support daily production planning activities and SAP transactions.
• Assist with inventory management, stock monitoring, and warehouse replenishment.
• Help coordinate transport, shipments, and movement of materials between sites.
• Support raw material checks and ensure material availability for production.
• Assist with data analysis, forecasting, reporting, and KPI monitoring.
• Work with plant teams, customer service, purchasing, and logistics to resolve operational issues.

Skills

Interest in supply chain

Planning and logistics

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Excel

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Education

GCSEs including English and maths

Tools

SAP

Job description

Join our team as a Production Planning Apprentice and gain hands-on experience in production planning, inventory, logistics and supply chain operations, while working towards a Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner qualification.

Qualification Requirements 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths

Salary - £26,000 per annum

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance- 25 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
• Pension- Employee 5%, Employer 3%
• Eyecare
• Onsite Parking
• Paid Sick Leave

Location - Arxada, Leeds Road, Huddersfield, HD2 1FG

Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week 08:00 – 16:00

Duration - 28 months

Start Date - December 2026/January 2027

Interview Date -TBC

Closing Date for Applications - 31st October 2026

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated Production Planning Apprentice to support our Supply Chain team at the Huddersfield site. This role will provide hands-on experience across production planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain operations while working towards a Level 3 Supply Chain Practitioner qualification.

Job Responsibilities

• Support daily production planning activities and SAP transactions.
• Assist with inventory management, stock monitoring, and warehouse replenishment.
• Help coordinate transport, shipments, and movement of materials between sites.
• Support raw material checks and ensure material availability for production.
• Assist with data analysis, forecasting, reporting, and KPI monitoring.
• Work with plant teams, customer service, purchasing, and logistics to resolve operational issues.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects, including support for OMP implementation and other planning initiatives.
• Develop knowledge of supply chain processes, planning systems, and business operations through structured apprenticeship training.

This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to build a career in Supply Chain while supporting a critical planning function and gaining experience in forecasting, planning, inventory management, logistics, and continuous improvement.

Candidate Requirements

What are we looking for?

• Interest in supply chain, planning, logistics, or manufacturing operations.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Basic IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Training To Be Delivered

Qualification to be delivered: L3 Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard

Apprenticeship Standard:Supply Chain Practitioner

Training Provider:Smart Training and Recruitment

Delivery model:monthly, virtual classroom lessons/workshops, with additional online 1-2-1 support from specialist tutors, plus workplace training, shadowing and mentoring

Future Prospects

This role is part of our talent planning for the future and, for the right person, we are looking to continue to develop the Apprentice upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship. Subject to satisfactory completion of the Apprenticeship, the candidate may be considered for any available permanent positions.

Things To Be Considered

Cogent Skills is managing the recruitment process in partnership with Arxada. To ensure fairness and equality of opportunity all applications must be made by completing the application on the Cogent Skills Apprenticeship portal.

The successful candidate will be employed by Cogent Skills Services Ltd but will undertake all on-job learning with Arxada at its manufacturing site in Huddersfield. You must therefore be able to travel to the place of work.

Due to the part-time and online nature of the study, you must be able to demonstrate a responsible and mature attitude to your study and work-based activities. Study time will form part of your working week.

About Arxada

Arxada is a global science-based specialty chemicals business creating innovative chemistry and solutions. The company aims to solve the world’s toughest preservation challenges by enhancing sustainability with cleaner, greener solutions.

Arxada focuses on multiple end-markets primarily in: Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection, providing a broad portfolio of differentiated products and solutions, supported by its science and innovation capabilities, in-depth regulatory know-how and track record in manufacturing and process development.

With its headquarters in Basel Switzerland, Arxada employs 3100 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R+D centres.

Arxada (Arch) Huddersfield is a manufacturing site operating 24/7 to produce solutions for the wood protection, and paints and coatings sectors.

Our vision for solving the world’s toughest preservation challenges can only be achieved through the hard work and dedication of our highly valued employees. We strive to create an environment that is collaborative, inclusive and unlocks each individual’s unique talents. Our employees are empowered to learn and grow, while bringing their best skills and abilities to work every day.

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