Production Planning Manager

**Location**: Southport
**Contract**: Full time, Permanent
**Salary**: Competitive
**Hours**: 39 hours per week

**Benefits**: 25 days holiday + statutory Bank Holidays, DC pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, Life Assurance, Employee Assistance Programme

**Main Purpose**

We're seeking a Production Planning Manager to join our team at the Southport site. Reporting to the MPL Manager, you'll lead a small team of Production Planners to develop a transparent and effective Production Schedule for all Signal Manufacturing cells. Your role involves creating and maintaining work centres within SAP, establishing accurate production schedules, and ensuring the needs of customers are met. You'll monitor the Planning Team's performance and maintain Planning and Production KPIs, including schedule adherence, OTIF, and back orders.

**Main Responsibilities**:

- Lead and manage a team of 4 Production Planners
- Convert Customer Orders into a Production schedule for various cells at the Southport site
- Create Production plans for the Southport site, aligning with clear customer requirements
- Check Material and Resource availability, collaborating with Procurement teams and Production Team Leaders
- Escalate Material shortages to the Materials Team
- Launch Production Orders as per required frequency and time for Manufacturing teams
- Maintain SAP Work Centres and Cat Number Master Data for accurate Production Schedules
- Communicate with Customer Services regarding potential delays, issues, and resolutions
- Daily Customer Order conversion and Production Order scheduling
- Ensure timely communication of Production schedules and changes to the Production Management Team
- Attend Daily and Weekly Collaboration meetings with Technical Sales, Production Managers, and Production Planning Team

**Essential Criteria**:

- Proficiency in SAP, especially in production planning and BOM structure design
- Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver customer requirements within deadlines
- Experience in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Problem-solving skills with a track record of resolving issues
- Knowledge of Manufacturing processes - electrical, hydraulic, mechanical
- Experience in effectively managing teams to achieve ambitious targets
- Project Management or Lean Management experience would be advantageous

**Benefits**:

- Competitive salary
- Pension and death in service provisions for pension scheme members
- 25 days of holidays (plus Bank Holidays)
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
- Employee offers and discounts from various retailers
- Cycle to work scheme, recognition events, and rewards
- Free car parking

**Unipart Dorman - Who Are We**?

Unipart Dorman is a prominent UK manufacturer of LED solutions for rail and traffic signalling, hazard warning lights, and complex electronics for rail products. Part of Unipart Rail, we contribute to the comprehensive portfolio of products, services, and solutions for the rail industry. Unipart Dorman is part of the Unipart Group, a major independent logistics company employing over 8,000 individuals globally with an annual turnover exceeding £800 million.

As an esteemed Unipart Rail employee, anticipate a diverse and fulfilling career within a company holding the Investors in People accreditation and world-class employee engagement status. With numerous UK sites and global operations, Unipart Rail, a leading supply chain partner to the UK rail industry, offers opportunities across various professions.

Our focus on training, development, and internal promotions leads to career progression paths that could take you to leadership roles, international assignments, or areas you might not have considered before. We encourage creativity, reward innovation, and provide a work environment emphasizing continuous improvement and your impact on our business.

Join us now and embrace the Unipart Way.

You may have experience in the following: Manufacturing Planning Director, Production Control Manager, Operations Planning Manager, Manufacturing Scheduler, Production Coordination Specialist, Operations Scheduling Manager, Manufacturing Operations Planner, Production Planning Supervisor, Operations Coordination Manager, etc.

REF-207702