Production Value Stream Planning Manager-830

Thorlabs; Ely; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Thorlabs, a leading name in optical technologies, seeks a Value Stream Planning Manager in Ely to lead material flow and continuous improvement efforts within their dynamic production environment. As part of a motivated leadership team, you will oversee operational processes, mentor staff, and promote safety and efficiency in production scheduling, ensuring top-tier performance and adherence to industry protocols. Join a company renowned for innovation and training, and benefit from competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including a pension scheme and generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Pension Scheme

Private Health Care

25 Days Holiday plus public holidays

Free onsite parking

Inhouse training and development opportunities

Free refreshments

Qualifications

• Experience in leading teams and motivating members to meet goals.
• Detail-oriented and structured approach to work.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations and practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee material flow from Receiving through to Shipping.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
• Train and mentor a team of 4 additional members.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Communication

Organizational Skills

Inventory Management

Education

Previous Planning or Supply Chain experience

Tools

ERP Systems (AX 2012 or D365)

Microsoft Dynamics 2012

Job description

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Client:

Thorlabs

Location:

Ely, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

a2ba5f94ad9d

Job Views:

3

Posted:

02.06.2025

Expiry Date:

17.07.2025

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Job Description:

What is the job?

This role oversees material flow from Receiving through Production to Shipping. This involves leading the development and implementation of procedures and standard work for production scheduling, material handling, inventory management, and distribution. Activities will include continuous improvement activities such as kaizens, PDCA, gemba walks, value stream mapping, and audits. To support continuous production flow, the Value Stream Planning Manager will lead the introduction of new systems such as water spider routes, PFEP (Plan for Every Part), and the use of capacity planning in the ERP system.

This is a leadership role and you will be responsible for 4 additional team members.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 – 16:30

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

• Previous Planning, Inventory Controller, or other Supply Chain related experience required

• A positive approach to continuous improvement activities

• A flexible approach to work requests – prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done

• Detail oriented and works in a structured and organised manner

• Strong communication skills with the ability to train, mentor and present new ideas

• Computer literate and able to use ERP systems (eg. AX 2012 or D365)

• Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Dynamics 2012 would be an advantage

• Willing to change hours as needed to ensure onsite production scheduling support

Requirements

What we would like you to do/ to see…

Leadership (up to 20% Focus)

• Ensure all team members are safe and are working in line with PPE requirements and safe systems of work
• Ensure teams participate in continuous improvement initiatives that address issues that impact throughput
• Motivate team members and perform regular appraisals or 1-to-1 meetings
• Communicate goals and objectives to team members and utilise resources adequately
• Communicate team briefs to all team members on a regular basis
• Assist management with hiring and training new starters, and provide performance assessments
• Develop strategies to promote team member adherence to company and industry regulations
• Conduct return to work interviews and disciplinary actions (warnings, performance improvement plan, etc.)
• Responsible for the Health & Safety of your work area and your team members. Including, the review and upkeep of all risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members. Dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections and accident reporting - this would include supporting and or leading accident investigations.
• Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members.Including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures and drawing their attention to hazardous practices.

Functional (80% Focus)

• Develop standard work for key processes in the Planning, Stores, and Packing and Shipping functions and train the teams across both shifts to follow the standard
• Work closely with the Inventory Controller on the design and implementation of milkrounds to support a continuous flow of materials from Stores through Production to Inspection and Shipping
• Regularly audit all standard work in Planning, Stores, and Packing, using this as an opportunity for coaching and mentoring when there are deviations from the process
• Develop teams to apply problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives that follow PDCA or lean principles
• Ensure Planning team provides onsite production scheduling support for the specified coverage periods and manage the team rota to ensure fair workload distribution
• Ensure each Planner can use capacity planning to schedule work across all Motion Control production teams
• Apply problem solving methods (5 Whys, Ishikawa) to identify root causes of production flow issues or deviations from standard work
• Cross-train on Tables BU Planning processes in order to support when needed

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-830

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail .

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.