Production Scheduler / Planner Confidential Client | Manufacturing & Engineering Environment Dorset So… What Is This Role, Really? Imagine being the person who knows what's being made, when it's being made, what it's being made from-and what's going wrong before anyone else does. That's this job. We're looking for a Production Scheduler / Planner to take control of a busy manufacturing operation where plans exist… but don't always behave themselves. You'll be the one turning customer orders into actual, achievable production schedules-and then defending, adjusting, and occasionally rescuing those plans in real time. This is not a passive role. If you like sitting back and "seeing how things go," this will feel like chaos. If you like being in the middle of it, making things work-welcome home. What You'll Actually Be Doing as Production Scheduler / Planner In short: keeping everything moving, despite everyone and everything trying to disrupt it. More specifically: Taking customer orders and turning them into something the factory can actually deliver (not just hopeful promises) Running weekly MRP-and questioning it like a seasoned detective ("that can't be right…") Managing materials purchasing so production doesn't grind to a halt because someone forgot a £2 component Tracking material pricing and negotiating where possible (yes, spreadsheets… but useful ones) Making sure goods-in and kitting don't become a daily treasure hunt Keeping the system accurate-because "the system says we've got it" is only helpful if it's true Building daily production schedules that reflect reality, not wishful thinking Constantly re-prioritising as new "urgent" requests appear (they will all be urgent) Coordinating subcontract processes-because things leaving site and coming back again should ideally be planned Closing work orders properly-no zombie jobs lurking in the system for eternity Sitting in meetings where everyone has a different priority and somehow leaving with a plan The Reality Check Your perfect schedule will last approximately 3-17 minutes before something changes Customers will want things sooner. Production will want more time. You'll sit in the middle, smiling politely The phrase "quick question" will rarely be quick You will become the person people come to when things don't add up What Success Looks Like as Production Scheduler/Planner The factory runs smoother (people might not say it-but they'll feel it) Materials are available when needed-not early, not late, not missing entirely Your plans are trusted because they're realistic You can say "no" (or "not yet") without causing a minor uprising Problems get solved before they become… bigger problems Who This Will Suit You're organised-but not in a rigid, clipboard-and-stopwatch way. You're calm under pressure, good at problem-solving, and not easily thrown when three people ask you for three different things at once. Ideally, you'll bring: Solid experience with MRP in a fast-paced manufacturing environment A background in engineering or production (precision environments would be a bonus) Experience aligning materials with production schedules Enough IT confidence to get what you need from systems without swearing at them constantly A hands-on approach-you're happy to leave your desk and go find answers The confidence to challenge things that don't make sense (because some won't) A sharp eye for detail-small mistakes here have a habit of becoming very visible laterBonus points if you've ever improved a process that everyone else had just accepted as "the way it is." Why This Role Is Actually Worth It You won't be bored You'll have real influence over how things run You'll be trusted to make decisions (and occasionally miracles) There's genuine opportunity to improve systems and processes-not just maintain them Final Thought If you enjoy solving problems, making sense of moving parts, and being the person who quietly keeps everything on track-even when it really shouldn't be-this will suit you. If you like everything going exactly to plan… we admire your optimism. Benefits An exciting opportunity to be a pivotal part of the business Up to £45k basic salary Pension Parking on site Friendly team If you would like more information on this position please don't hesitate to get in touch (phone number removed)