Global Production Planning and Logistics Coordinator

1 month ago


Ely, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Thorlabs Full time
Job Overview

In this pivotal role as a Global Production Planning and Logistics Coordinator at Thorlabs, you will oversee the planning and execution of production operations with ERP/MRP systems.

This leadership position involves developing and implementing procedures and standard work for production scheduling, material handling, inventory management, and distribution.

Key Responsibilities
  • Leadership (up to 20% Focus)
    • Ensure all team members are safe and adhere to PPE requirements and safe systems of work
    • Encourage teams to participate in continuous improvement initiatives addressing issues impacting throughput
    • Motivate team members through regular appraisals or one-to-one meetings
    • Communicate goals and objectives to team members and utilize resources effectively
    • Provide team briefs to all team members regularly
    • Assist management in hiring and training new starters, and provide performance assessments
    • Develop strategies promoting team member adherence to company and industry regulations
    • Conduct return-to-work interviews and disciplinary actions (warnings, performance improvement plan, etc.)
    • Responsible for Health & Safety of your work area and team members, including reviewing and maintaining risk assessments, identifying H&S training requirements, providing inductions to new team members, dealing with PPE issues and H&S breaches, undertaking regular H&S inspections, and accident reporting
    • Undertake the role of Fire Marshal for your work area and team members, including regular checks for hazards and issues, completion of fire risk assessment actions, ensuring all people in your area are aware of evacuation procedures, and drawing attention to hazardous practices
  • Functional (80% Focus)
    • Develop standard work for key processes in the Planning, Stores, and Packing and Shipping functions, and train teams across both shifts to follow the standard
    • Work closely with the Inventory Controller on designing and implementing milkrounds to support a continuous flow of materials from Stores through Production to Inspection and Shipping
    • Regularly audit all standard work in Planning, Stores, and Packing, using this opportunity for coaching and mentoring when there are deviations from the process
    • Develop teams to apply problem-solving skills to conduct root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives following PDCA or lean principles
    • Ensure the Planning team provides onsite production scheduling support for specified coverage periods and manage the team roster to ensure fair workload distribution
    • Ensure each Planner can use capacity planning to schedule work across all Motion Control production teams
    • Apply problem-solving methods (5 Whys, Ishikawa) to identify root causes of production flow issues or deviations from standard work
    • Cross-train on Tables BU Planning processes to support when needed

Requirements:

  • Previous experience in Planning, Inventory Control, or Supply Chain roles
  • A positive approach to continuous improvement activities
  • A flexible approach to work requests - prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done
  • Detailed oriented and works in a structured and organized manner
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to train, mentor, and present new ideas
  • Computer literate and able to use ERP systems (e.g., AX 2012 or D365)
  • Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Dynamics 2012 would be an advantage
  • Willing to change hours as needed to ensure onsite production scheduling support
What You'll Get

At Thorlabs, we offer opportunities for customized in-house training and development that accelerates your career progression. Enjoy free parking, refreshments, and an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

Our competitive salary includes an excellent benefits package, including pension, healthcare, 25 days' holiday plus public holidays, and more.

Please submit your application through our website or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd.


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