Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Production Scheduler to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in planning, scheduling, and monitoring the production flow of printed circuit board fabrication and assembly processes. This role ensures efficient utilization of resources, timely delivery of customer orders, and alignment with quality standards. The controller acts as a key link between production, procurement, engineering, and sales to balance capacity, material availability, and customer demand.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
* Develop and maintain production schedules for PCB fabrication and assembly operations based on customer orders, forecasts, and capacity.
* Prioritize jobs to meet on-time delivery commitments while optimizing throughput and minimizing downtime.
* Coordinate with production supervisors and engineers to ensure smooth workflow and resolve scheduling conflicts.
* Ensure production capacity for machinery and personnel supports both standard and fast turnaround capability.
Material & Inventory Control
* Communicate with stores and procurement to ensure availability of raw materials, components, and tooling for scheduled jobs.
* Work closely with procurement and stores to manage inventory levels and prevent shortages or excess stock. This is especially important within the PCB fabrication department as over utilisation of material are part of the production process.
* Review material lead times and align production schedules accordingly.
Capacity & Workflow Management
* Analyse production capacity, bottlenecks, and resource allocation to balance workload across fabrication (PCB etching, drilling, plating, bonding, etc.) and assembly (SMT, reflow, hand assembly, testing, inspection etc.
* Recommend adjustments to schedules in response to machine downtime, engineering changes, or urgent customer requirements.
Monitoring & Reporting
* Track WIP (work in progress) and ensure jobs move through fabrication and assembly stages as planned.
* Generate production reports (daily/weekly) on schedule adherence, throughput, and delivery performance.
* Provide updates to Operations and Sales regarding order status and potential delays.
Process & Continuous Improvement
* Identify inefficiencies in scheduling, material flow, and resource utilization; propose improvements.
* Support lean manufacturing initiatives to improve productivity and reduce lead times.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve production planning systems.
Qualifications & Skills
* Prince2 Project management, Supply Chain Management Certification (CIPS) or related field.
* 3–5 years of experience in production planning/control, preferably in PCB fabrication, PCB assembly or complex manufacturing.
* Strong knowledge of PCB manufacturing processes (etching, drilling, plating, lamination, AOI) and assembly operations (SMT, soldering, testing) ideal but not essential.
* Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling software desirable.
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
* Strong communication skills to coordinate across departments.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £50,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
Work Location: In person