Production Planner
đź“Ť Location: Darwen
🕒 Hours: Full-time | 08:30 – 17:00 | Office-Based
đź’Ľ Contract: Permanent
💷 Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 (depending on experience)
About the Role
Swift is proud to be partnering with a well-established and highly regarded manufacturing business in Darwen. We’re currently seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Production Planner to join their dynamic Production Team.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for developing and managing efficient production schedules that ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to align production with customer demand, regulatory standards, and inventory strategies.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and maintain short- and long-term production schedules across the product range and SKUs.
* Monitor and forecast demand using sales data, stock levels, and seasonal trends.
* Ensure compliance with regulatory and labelling requirements.
* Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and NPD teams to incorporate promotions, product launches, and custom orders into the production plan.
* Coordinate batch manufacturing for various nicotine strengths and flavours, ensuring proper sequencing to prevent cross-contamination.
* Ensure timely availability of raw materials and packaging.
* Prepare accurate work orders and maintain batch traceability documentation.
* Work with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to ensure all production meets compliance standards.
* Schedule equipment cleaning and changeovers to maintain GMP and ISO standards.
* Support audits and product recalls with detailed production documentation.
* Monitor real-time production output and resolve any variances from the plan.
* Identify and mitigate risks such as material shortages, capacity issues, or supplier delays.
* Recommend process improvements to enhance scheduling flexibility and efficiency.
What We’re Looking For
* Experience in production planning or supply chain roles within vaping, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
* Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including mixing, filling, labelling, and packing.
* Familiarity with TPD regulations, product registration, and batch traceability.
* Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas) and ERP systems (e.g., OrderWise, SAP).
* Excellent planning, analytical, and organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
* Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across departments.
If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for planning and process improvement, we’d love to hear from you