Production Planner & Controller

We are looking for a detail-oriented and organised Production Planner & Controller to manage production schedules, coordinate material availability and support efficient manufacturing operations. Working closely with Customer Relations, Sales, Procurement, Engineering, Supply Chain and Production, you will play a key role in aligning production with demand, maintaining inventory levels and supporting OTIF performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly and monthly production schedules.
• Own the master production schedule, ensuring alignment with sales forecasts, project timelines and capacity.
• Coordinate production workflows across multiple products and manufacturing lines.
• Monitor inventory levels, material availability, lead times and stock turnover.
• Work closely with Procurement to expedite raw materials and components where required.
• Review sales forecasts and customer orders to plan capacity requirements.
• Track production progress and adjust schedules to minimise delays.
• Identify and mitigate risks relating to material shortages or production delays.
• Analyse production data and prepare performance reports.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
• Maintain accurate production paperwork and planning records.
• Communicate production priorities to supervisors and manufacturing teams.
• Act as a key contact for Customer Relations regarding delivery commitments, lead times and order updates.
• Work with Sales and Account Management to understand customer priorities and align production accordingly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with safety, quality and company standards.

Knowledge and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering or relevant time-served experience.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in production planning, scheduling or manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, inventory forecasting and production scheduling.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and production planning software skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working directly with internal customers and delivering high levels of service.
• Experience within an engineering, manufacturing or project-based environment is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of SAGE 200 would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Strong understanding of process improvement and Lean principles.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management, communication and coordination skills.
• Proactive, positive and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with short lead times and changing priorities.