Production Planning Manager

Production Planning Manager
Location: Near Cambridge
Salary: Circa 40,000 - 45,000 + Benefits

We are a market-leading engineering company based near Cambridge, and we are seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager to join our dynamic team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven individual to take ownership of key planning processes, manage production schedules, and lead continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for key processes across the Planning, Stores, and Packing and Shipping functions, ensuring all teams across both shifts are trained to follow these standards.
• Collaborate closely with the Inventory Controller to design and implement effective milkrounds, ensuring a continuous flow of materials from Stores through to Production, Inspection, and Shipping.
• Regularly audit the standard work in the Planning, Stores, and Packing areas, identifying any deviations and using these audits as coaching opportunities to reinforce process adherence and improve team performance.
• Mentor and develop the teams, encouraging the use of problem-solving techniques, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies such as PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and Lean principles.
• Manage the production scheduling support for the Planning team, ensuring adequate coverage for all production shifts, and create fair and balanced team rotas to distribute workloads efficiently.
• Ensure that all Planners are proficient in capacity planning, enabling effective work scheduling across all Motion Control production teams.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce waste across the production planning and shipping functions.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in a production planning or scheduling role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of production planning processes, inventory control, and supply chain management.
• Experience in developing and implementing standard work procedures and conducting training across multiple shifts.
• Excellent leadership and team development skills, with a track record of coaching and mentoring teams to improve performance and adherence to best practices.
• Proficiency in capacity planning and scheduling techniques, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with experience in root cause analysis and driving continuous improvement initiatives using lean or similar methodologies.
• Good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• A proactive and hands-on approach to process improvement and team management.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary of circa 40,000 - 45,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• The chance to work for a market-leading engineering company with a reputation for innovation and high-quality manufacturing.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment where your contributions will directly impact the success of the business.
• Opportunities for career progression and personal development within a growing company.

If you are a proactive and experienced Production Planning professional with a passion for driving efficiency and process improvements, we would love to hear from you. Join our team and take the next step in your career with a company that values excellence and continuous development.