Senior Production Planner

Polypipe Building Products; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in the United Kingdom is looking for an experienced Supply Chain Planner to manage production planning processes. You will create production schedules, analyze production data, and lead a team of planners to ensure efficiency and timely delivery. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in production planning and possess strong analytical and leadership skills. This role requires adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in production planning and scheduling.
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and assess long-term production plans aligned to the forecast.
• Communicate capacity data findings with manufacturing departments.
• Lead and mentor a team of production planners.

Skills

Production planning

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Lean manufacturing principles

Problem-solving

Tools

Production planning software

Job description

Overview

This Role is known internally as a Supply Chain Planner. Production Planning Lead manages and optimizes the production planning process within the manufacturing environment. This role involves overseeing the scheduling, coordination, and execution of production activities to ensure efficient operations, timely delivery, and cost‑effective output. The role will lead the daily production planners to ensure service level is being met while minimising downtime and optimising production efficiency. The Supply Chain Planner will also be looking at forward forecasting to ensure plans are in place for upcoming product launches or promotional activity to ensure these are delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Creating and periodically assessing long-term production plans which are aligned to the forecast.
• Reviewing ABC SKU rankings and Safety Stock targets.
• Communicate capacity data findings with manufacturing departments.
• Provide capacity data to departments for the capital expenditure budgets.
• Aid preparation of monthly departmental management reports.
• Creating and managing detailed production schedules to meet customer demand and optimize resource utilization.
• Collaborate with various departments (e.g., sales, purchasing, engineering) to ensure smooth production flow and alignment of resources.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods, and coordinate with purchasing to ensure timely procurement.
• Analyse production data, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Lead and mentor a team of production planners, providing guidance, and ensuring adherence to production plans and procedures.
• Track production metrics, analyse performance data, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure that production processes comply with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Use GBS tools where necessary to help drive a continuous improvement culture.

Qualifications / Capabilities

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in production planning and scheduling in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain organized records.
• Expertise in using production planning software.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and mitigate production bottlenecks.
• Ability to lead and manage a team of production planners, and coordinate with other departments to ensure timely delivery of products.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with suppliers, vendors, and logistics partners.
• In-depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to adapt to changing production demands and priorities.
• Flexibility to handle unexpected issues or changes in the production schedule.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced production environment.
• Experience in coaching and developing teams.