Description

Production planners are in charge of devising efficient strategies to improve productivity and efficiency. They are accountable for establishing an efficient workflow that utilizes the resources of the company more efficiently. Additionally to this, one of the management's primary responsibilities is to develop new initiatives which improve the quality of products as well as reduce waste and boost profits. Planners oversee of the manufacturing process and make recommendations for changes if needed. They study competitors' methods to enhance their offerings. They must also keep the correct inventory of the items made, and make sure that all industry and company rules and regulations are adhered to. Production planners share information regarding the future changes to production with their managers, and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Production planning managers collaborate closely with other managers and the leaders from other divisions to create a seamless shipping process. They are accountable to the supervisor of production in their company and are present at regular meetings of the department.

An undergraduate degree from an area of study that is relevant is required to be considered for this job, in addition to previous experience as a manager in a similar role. Certifications in leadership are beneficial. Production planning managers need to be problem-solvers, skilled at multitasking. They must be proficient in data input and excellent math skills.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Production Planning Manager with 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Developing and implementing production plans to optimize efficiency and meet production targets.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to determine production requirements and identify potential bottlenecks or issues.
  • Monitoring inventory levels and ensuring timely procurement of materials to support production schedules.
  • Analyzing production data and metrics to identify areas for improvement, enhance productivity, and reduce costs.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Production Planning Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong knowledge of production planning and scheduling techniques to optimize resource allocation and ensure timely delivery of products.
  • Proficiency in using production planning software and ERP systems to manage inventory levels, monitor production progress, and generate accurate reports.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills to anticipate and overcome potential bottlenecks or delays in the production process, ensuring smooth operations.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, to align production plans with organizational goals.

Essential Skills For Production Planning Manager

1

Pricing

2

Operations Management

3

Scheduling

4

SAP

Skills That Affect Production Planning Manager Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

12%

Strategic Planning

4%

Career Prospects

The role of a Production Planning Manager is vital in ensuring effective production operations. With 9+ years of experience in the UK, professionals in this field have several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options to explore:

  • Supply Chain Manager: A position that involves overseeing the entire supply chain process, including procurement, logistics, and inventory management.
  • Operations Manager: A role focused on optimizing operational efficiency and productivity, ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery of products.
  • Industrial Engineer: A position that requires analyzing and improving production processes, implementing lean principles, and optimizing resource utilization.
  • Continuous Improvement Manager: A role centered around identifying and implementing strategies to enhance production processes, reduce waste, and drive continuous improvement efforts.

How to Learn

The role of Production Planning Manager in the United Kingdom is expected to witness significant growth in the market. A 10-year analysis suggests a positive outlook for this job role, indicating a steady increase in employment opportunities. As per recent data available, there is a rising demand for skilled professionals in this field due to the expansion of manufacturing sectors and increasing emphasis on supply chain optimization. Forecasts predict a continuous rise in job opportunities for Production Planning Managers in the future, making it an attractive career option for individuals aspiring to be part of the manufacturing and logistics industry.