CNC Recruitment is seeking an enthusiastic Production Planner to join our prestigious client in South Petherton, Somerset - oak timber manufacturer.
Location: Lopen, near South Petherton, Somerset
Type: Full-Time/Permanent
Hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm (Monday to Friday, with two 30-minute breaks)
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)
The Role
We are looking for a well-organised and practical Production Planner to join our busy sawmill operations team. This hands-on role sits at the heart of the production process and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting daily and short-term production schedules to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of work through the sawmill.
You’ll work closely with colleagues across production, machining, and logistics, helping to solve problems and keep operations running smoothly in a fast-paced environment. The role also includes a strong administrative element, ensuring production paperwork and systems remain accurate and up to date.
As you develop in the role, there will be opportunities to support logistics planning and coordination to help ensure timely and efficient deliveries.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
* Plan daily and short-term production schedules in line with capacity, staffing, and material availability
* Prioritise jobs to meet delivery deadlines, maximise efficiency, and minimise downtime
* Adjust plans in response to machine availability, material supply, urgent orders, or staffing changes
* Maintain a clear workflow from stock intake through processing and machining
Coordination & Communication
* Act as a central point of communication between production teams, supervisors, and management
* Communicate daily plans, priorities, and changes clearly
* Work across departments to resolve issues and keep production moving
* Support a collaborative, solutions-focused working environment
Systems, Administration & Paperwork
* Maintain accurate production records, schedules, and documentation
* Update internal systems with production plans and progress
* Manage job sheets, production reports, and related paperwork
* Ensure data accuracy for reporting, traceability, and continuous improvement
Continuous Improvement
* Identify opportunities to improve planning efficiency, workflow, and communication
* Support improvements in systems, processes, and planning methods
* Contribute to a safe, well-organised production environment
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks
* Practical and adaptable in a busy production setting
* Confident communicator, comfortable working with a wide range of colleagues
* High attention to detail and efficiency
* Strong IT skills, including spreadsheets, planning tools, and ERP systems
* Ability to plan ahead while responding to day-to-day changes
Desirable
* Experience in production planning, scheduling, or coordination
* Background in sawmill, manufacturing, or processing environments
* Understanding of timber products or machining processes
* Interest in logistics planning