Third-Party Manufacturing Planner

Qualiko (MHP Trade Europe); Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualiko (MHP Trade Europe) is seeking a hands-on Third-Party Manufacturing Planner in Welwyn Garden City. You will own production plans for third-party manufacturers, turning demand forecasts into executable schedules while coordinating with internal teams and external partners to keep lines moving.

You will monitor KPIs, use SAP/Oracle or similar ERP to drive decisions, and maintain accurate records. This role suits a detail-driven planner in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and capacity planning.
• Proficient in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle or similar) and Excel.
• Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule production for third-party manufacturers based on demand forecasts, inventory levels and capacity.
• Use agile planning practices to adapt to market shifts and new launches.
• Track KPIs with ERP data and turn insights into actions to improve on-time delivery and cost per unit.
• Act as the primary liaison between internal teams and external manufacturing partners.
• Manage inventory and materials with procurement and logistics to balance stock across sites and avoid stockouts and overproduction.
• Maintain accurate production plans, POs and shipment schedules in compliance with standards.

Skills

ERP systems

Excel

Communication

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Manufacturing planning

Inventory control

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Third-Party Manufacturing Planner (Tumbling & Re-pack)

Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom | Supply Chain / Operations | Reports to: Head of Supply Chain

About the Role

We're looking for a hands-on, detail-driven Production Planner to own the link between our business and our third-party manufacturing partners. You'll be the person who turns demand forecasts into real, achievable production plans — and the go-to point of contact keeping internal teams and external partners moving in sync. If you enjoy solving problems before they become delays, and you like the mix of planning, people and numbers, this role is built for you.

What You'll Do

• Plan and schedule production — build and maintain production plans for third-party manufacturers based on demand forecasts, inventory levels and capacity, and keep schedules on track by resolving delays as they come up.
• Bring an agile mindset — use agile planning practices to cut waste and respond quickly as market demand, seasonality or new product launches shift the picture.
• Put data to work — use ERP systems (SAP, CRM) and analytics to track KPIs like on-time delivery, yield rates and cost per unit, and turn that data into action.
• Be the connector — act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and external manufacturing partners, communicating requirements, timelines and quality expectations clearly and building genuine, transparent relationships.
• Manage inventory and materials — work closely with procurement and logistics to keep raw materials and packaging flowing, track stock at 3PM sites, and balance levels across sites to avoid both stockouts and overproduction.
• Monitor performance — analyze KPIs such as on-time delivery, efficiency and quality compliance, spot areas to improve, and partner with vendors on corrective actions.
• Keep things accurate and compliant — maintain clear records of production plans, purchase orders and shipment schedules, and ensure everything meets regulatory and company standards.

What You Bring

• A solid understanding of manufacturing processes, capacity planning and inventory control.
• Confidence working in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle or similar) and strong Excel skills.
• Great communication, negotiation and problem-solving instincts.
• Energy for a fast-paced, cross-functional environment where priorities can shift and you're ready to adapt.

If this sounds like the kind of role where you can make a visible, day-to-day impact — connecting people, data and production lines to keep everything moving — we'd love to hear from you.