Job Description

Job Title

:

Trainee Production Planner

Department

: Operations / Manufacturing

Reports To

: Head of Cost Estimation & Materials Planning

Job Purpose

The Trainee Production Planner will support the planning, scheduling, and coordination of manufacturing activities to ensure production targets are met efficiently, safely, and on time. This role is designed as a development position, providing hands-on exposure to production planning, materials coordination, and cross-functional working within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

Assist in creating and maintaining production schedules in line with customer orders, capacity, and lead times Support daily and weekly planning meetings with production and operations teams Help monitor progress against production plans and highlight potential delays or issues Update planning systems and trackers with accurate, real-time information

Materials & Capacity Coordination

Support coordination with procurement and stores to ensure materials are available for planned production Assist in checking capacity, labour availability, and machine utilisation Help identify material shortages or constraints and escalate to the planner or manager

Data & Reporting

Maintain production planning data, reports, and KPIs (e.g. on-time delivery, schedule adherence) Assist with basic analysis of production performance and trends Ensure planning records and documentation are accurate and up to date

Cross-Functional Communication

Liaise with production, quality, procurement, and logistics teams Support communication of production priorities to shop-floor teams Assist with coordination of urgent or short-notice orders when required

Continuous Improvement & Learning

Learn and follow company planning processes and systems (ERP/MRP) Support continuous improvement initiatives related to planning efficiency and workflow Actively engage in training and development to progress toward a full Production Planner role

Health, Safety & Quality

Follow all company health, safety, and environmental procedures Ensure planning activities align with quality standards and customer requirements Promote safe and efficient working practices at all times

Skills & Competencies

Essential

Strong organisational and time-management skills Good attention to detail and accuracy Basic IT skills (Excel, Microsoft Office or similar) Clear communication skills, both written and verbal Willingness to learn and develop within a manufacturing environment

Desirable

Interest in manufacturing, engineering, or operations Basic understanding of production processes Exposure to ERP/MRP systems (training will be provided)

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

GCSEs / A-Levels or equivalent (Maths and English preferred)

Desirable

Qualification or ongoing study in Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations Management Previous placement, apprenticeship, or work experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting

Personal Attributes

Proactive and eager to learn Able to work well as part of a team Calm and organised under pressure Professional and reliable approach to work

Career Development

This role offers structured training and mentoring with the opportunity to progress into a

Production Planner

or

Operations Planning

role as experience and competence develop.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person