<p>The Production Planner plays a central role in ensuring production schedules meet demand, minimise lead times and maintain inventory levels. This role requires strong analytical skills, excellent coordination with supply chain teams and attention to manufacturing detail. A brief: The Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining production schedules, coordinating materials and capacities, and liaising with procurement, quality and operations to ensure on-time delivery. The role suits candidates with manufacturing experience and familiarity with ERP systems.</p>
<p>This job description outlines the duties, qualifications and expectations for a Production Planner in a manufacturing or production environment. It is designed to help HR professionals and recruiters attract candidates who can plan efficiently and support continuous improvement.</p>
<h2>Production Planner Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Production Planner establishes and maintains master production schedules, balancing demand forecasts, inventory and capacity constraints. They work closely with procurement, production supervisors and logistics to ensure materials and resources are available when required.</p>
<p>Planners analyse demand signals, update schedules in the ERP system, and monitor performance against targets. They support production meetings and produce reports to inform decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.</p>
<h2>Production Planner Job Description</h2>
<p>The Production Planner is accountable for translating customer demand and sales forecasts into producible and cost-effective schedules. They create daily, weekly and monthly plans that align with capacity and material availability, aiming to minimise stockouts and excess inventory.</p>
<p>Key responsibilities include maintaining the master production schedule, performing inventory analysis, issuing material requirements and coordinating with suppliers and internal teams. The planner monitors key performance indicators such as on-time delivery, schedule attainment and inventory turns, and recommends corrective actions when targets are not met.</p>
<p>This role requires an ability to analyse complex data, identify bottlenecks on the shop floor and propose practical solutions. Strong communication skills are essential as the planner must brief production supervisors, procurement teams and senior management, ensuring clarity and timely action across functions.</p>
<h2>Production Planner Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Develop and maintain the master production schedule to meet customer demand and minimise lead times.</li>
<li>Coordinate material requirements planning and raise purchase requisitions as necessary.</li>
<li>Monitor inventory levels and implement replenishment strategies to avoid stockouts and overstock.</li>
<li>Work with production supervisors to sequence jobs and allocate resources effectively.</li>
<li>Adjust schedules in response to machine availability, labour constraints and urgent orders.</li>
<li>Analyse demand forecasts and sales orders to update production plans and safety stock levels.</li>
<li>Use ERP systems to maintain accurate data for planning, reporting and traceability.</li>
<li>Prepare performance reports on schedule attainment, capacity utilisation and inventory metrics.</li>
<li>Facilitate daily planning meetings and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.</li>
<li>Identify process improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste and shorten lead times.</li>
<li>Liaise with suppliers, logistics and quality teams to resolve material or quality issues impacting schedules.</li>
<li>Support new product introductions with planning input and ramp-up schedules.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Production Planner Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management or related subject, or equivalent experience.</li>
<li>Proven experience as a production planner, materials planner or similar role in a manufacturing environment.</li>
<li>Strong proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or equivalent planning tools.</li>
<li>Good numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret forecasts and performance data.</li>
<li>Understanding of MRP, capacity planning and inventory control principles.</li>
<li>Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands.</li>
<li>Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma is desirable.</li>
<li>Proficient in Microsoft Excel and planning software.</li>
<li>Attention to detail and a practical, solution-oriented approach to problems.</li>
</ul>