Production Planner

Production Planner

Location: Merthyr
Duration: 6 months with extension, possibility of temp-to-perm
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Working Pattern: Possibility of hybrid after training is completed
Start Date: ASAP

Purpose

The Production Planner is responsible for delivering effective capacity and material planning to support operational performance. Working as part of a small team, this role ensures ERP/MRP systems are optimised to enable efficient production flow, accurate data management, and successful project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage capacity planning activities in collaboration with the Production Scheduler, ensuring optimal utilisation of resources and alignment with maintenance cycles.
• Plan and manage material demand and stock control through the ERP/MRP system in line with customer requirements.
• Ensure capacity planning is fully integrated within ERP/MRP systems to optimise delivery performance, efficiency, and cost.
• Manage and maintain data accuracy within the ERP system (IFS), including actioning MRP messages and resolving stock-related queries.
• Load projects into the system following design release, including Master Part setup and validation of key data fields.
• Release projects to planning, purchasing, and production in a timely manner.
• Process amendments within the MRP system, ensuring parts are at the latest issue and correctly allocated to jobs.
• Ensure all shop orders are correctly linked to parent orders to enable accurate cost tracking.
• Monitor and manage deviations from plan, particularly where there is financial impact.
• Support continuous improvement of planning systems, processes, and methodologies.
• Contribute planning input into bids and future project forecasting.
• Ensure timely project closure, including issuing all parts and enabling accurate cost roll-up for finance and project teams.
• Deliver MRP/ERP training to stakeholders to ensure effective system usage.
• Support operational activities such as stationery ordering where required.

Previous Experience

• Experience within a production planning or manufacturing engineering environment.
• Experience working in production, assembly, or vehicle build environments.
• Proven experience using ERP/MRP systems in a planning capacity.

Technical Skills / Education

• Strong experience in production or factory planning roles.
• Advanced knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and planning processes.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and ERP systems.
• Understanding of capacity planning, inventory management, and production flow.
• Good communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• Experience with IFS ERP system (desirable).
• Understanding of project-based production systems (desirable).
• Knowledge of PLM systems (e.g. Windchill) (desirable).
• Experience in continuous improvement or process optimisation (desirable).

Additional Local Needs

• Full-time onsite role.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.
• Successful candidate must be able to obtain BPSS clearance.

Summary of Improvements

• Applied consistent headings and section structure.
• Standardised bullet point formatting.
• Improved spacing and readability.
• Corrected minor presentation inconsistencies (e.g. “temp to perm” → “temp-to-perm”, section formatting, punctuation consistency).
• Preserved all original content and requirements without changing meaning.