Production Planner

Title: Production Planner

Job Type: Contract

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: £31.79 per hour (Umbrella)

Location: Reading

Working Arrangements: Full-time, site-based

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Production Planner to support manufacturing and operational delivery within a specialist engineering and technology environment.

You will be responsible for developing, maintaining and coordinating production schedules to ensure manufacturing demands are accurately planned and delivered in line with time, cost and quality requirements. Working closely with operational delivery units and cross-functional teams, you will help optimise production processes, manage competing priorities and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the Master Production Schedule and supplementary schedules, ensuring forecast dates and production requirements are accurate.
• Develop detailed manufacturing plans in response to operational requirements, balancing time, cost and quality.
• Maintain accurate production data and schedules within local Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems.
• Apply Lean Planning and Production Control techniques, including visual management, Kanban and push/pull processes.
• Identify and proactively resolve production constraints, delays and barriers to progress.
• Liaise with operational delivery units and internal stakeholders to coordinate and balance production demands.
• Attend visual management meetings, monitor progress and ensure agreed actions are completed.
• Support the development and maintenance of cost estimates, production schedules and associated planning documentation.
• Monitor, update and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Promote operational excellence and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build effective working relationships across teams to support programme delivery.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, security, environmental compliance and quality.
• Contribute to an inclusive working environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration and individual development.

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience in production planning, manufacturing planning or production control.
• Knowledge of Master Production Scheduling and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems.
• An understanding of manufacturing processes, production scheduling and resource coordination.
• Experience using Lean Planning and continuous improvement techniques.
• Familiarity with visual management, Kanban and push/pull production control methods.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to identify problems, overcome production challenges and drive actions through to completion.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality, safety and operational excellence.
• Good analytical skills, including experience monitoring and reporting on KPIs.

Experience working within a complex manufacturing, engineering or technology environment would be advantageous.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a specialist engineering and manufacturing environment where effective planning, collaboration and continuous improvement play a key role in successful programme delivery.

You will work alongside multidisciplinary teams, contribute to the efficient coordination of production activities and have the opportunity to improve planning processes and operational performance.

Ready to Apply?

If you are an experienced Production Planner with a background in manufacturing planning, production control and Lean methodologies, we want to hear from you.

Interested in this position? Please click "Apply Now".

Company Information

This contract vacancy is being advertised by Rullion Ltd.

Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a wide range of clients, from major global organisations to innovative SMEs and start-ups. Rullion is committed to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities for all employees and applicants.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.