Production Planner

• Location: Colchester
• Job Type: Temp to Perm, Full-Time
• Pay Rate: £35,000 equivalent

We are seeking a dedicated Production Planner to join our team. This role is crucial for planning and scheduling production activities within one of the three assigned areas: Manufacturing, Assembly, or Non-Standard Planning. The successful candidate will ensure that production schedules are created and executed effectively, balancing production planning with logistics oversight.

• Develop and Maintain Production Schedules: Create and manage detailed schedules for assigned areas to ensure timely and efficient production.
• Coordinate with Production Teams: Work closely with production teams to communicate schedules, address issues, and ensure adherence to the plan.
• Monitor Production Progress: Track the execution of the production schedule, identify any deviations, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Balance Workload and Capacity: Ensure that the assigned production areas are optimized in terms of labour, equipment, and capacity to meet production goals.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain: Liaise with other areas of the supply chain to confirm material availability and align production plans with incoming supplies.
• Resolve Production Issues: Proactively identify and troubleshoot any issues impacting the production schedule, such as machine breakdowns or material shortages.
• Analyse Production Data: Continuously review production metrics to evaluate performance, identify areas for improvement, communicate and implement necessary adjustments.
• Implement Process Improvements: Work on continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency and reduce lead times.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Document changes to the production schedule, updates to plans, and results of any adjustments made with regular report out.
• Communicate with Other Departments: Ensure effective communication with logistics, quality control, and engineering teams to keep production aligned with overall business goals.

• Strong background in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing environment, with the ability to create and manage production schedules effectively.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with production teams, supply chain, and other departments to ensure schedule adherence.
• Capable of identifying production issues, analysing root causes, and implementing corrective actions to maintain smooth operations.
• Advanced experience using MRP/ERP systems for planning, scheduling, and tracking production and logistics activities.
• High level of precision in managing schedules, tracking production data, and documenting changes.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of how inventory levels affect production schedules and the ability to coordinate with supply chain teams.
• Ability to adjust plans and strategies in response to changing production needs or unexpected challenges.
• Understanding of lean practices to help identify waste and improve production processes.
• Competence in using Excel and other Microsoft Office tools for data analysis, reporting, and schedule management.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment.