Lead Planner Operations Administration

To lead the Planning and Production Control function, ensuring accurate and balanced factory workload, and timely delivery of information and supporting materials to the relevant departments.

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager and responsible for a small planning team, key accountabilities include:

• To create the production and sales order schedules, determining the most efficient and effective workflow plan to achieve the scheduled project milestones.
• To produce dynamic updates to the factory schedule when plans deviate and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.
• The Lead Planner will be responsible for releasing supply chain requirements from the ERP workbench in accordance with the production plan.
• To ensure processes are in place to ensure timely delivery of line side components and kanban stock.
• Review all potential workload with the Sales Department forecast, producing factory loading charts in accordance with the business requirements.
• Lead by example through a positive attitude and commitment and responsibility for all planning personnel (including management of cover within the department, managing the annual performance review process and other people management processes).
• Ensure all planning employees are competent to fully use planning systems.
• Define and produce a set of agreed KPI’s monthly and advise on improvement areas.
• To chair all meetings related to production schedules and provide accurate data to support the Efficiency Improvements & Margin Erosion objectives.
• Identify and pursue improvement and cost saving opportunities throughout the department.

• Strong IT skills and familiarity with Oracle or SAP based ERP systems would be an advantage.
• Product/Process Knowledge.
• The ideal candidate will have strong Microsoft Excel skills
• The ability to effectively communicate using both verbal and written communication that delivers high levels of confidence in those dealt with.
• The ability to think through and adopt a clear, sensible approach to planning, prioritising and organising tasks and activities to meet deadlines. Makes most efficient use of time and other resources.
• The ability to pragmatically solve problems using varied approaches and considering all relevant factors and options before making a decision/taking action.
• Proactive in approach, resilient under pressure, ability to maintain clarity and vision, and possesses a strong results orientation.

• The candidate should have at least 5 years relevant experience in a planning role.
• An IT expert, the ideal candidate will be comfortable with all Microsoft packages with an ability to teach others.
• The ideal candidate will have two or more years experience working with Oracle or SAP based ERP systems.
• An understanding of Lean Manufacturing best practice and implementation would be desirable.