Production Planner

The Production Planner will report directly to the Planning and Inventory Management Manager and will work closely with the forecasting and demand planning teams in the UK. The primary responsibility is to develop and manage the production schedule, ensuring efficient workflow, on-time delivery, and optimal resource utilization from the creation of production work orders to the issuance of batch manufacturing records.

This role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams, including purchasing, manufacturing, and warehousing/logistics, to meet production targets and maintain approved inventory levels, while ensuring compliance with production timelines and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities:

Raising Production Works Orders:

• Generate and issue production works orders based on the production schedule and stock/customer requirements.
• Ensure works orders are accurately documented and communicated to the production team.

Creating Material Picking Lists and Serialisation Data:

• Create material picking lists for the warehouse to ensure all necessary materials are available for production.
• Coordinate with warehouse staff to ensure timely and accurate material picking and availability.
• Generate serialization data for product traceability requirements

Creating and Maintaining SKU Master Data:

• Establish and update SKU master data, including product specifications, bill of materials (BOM), and production routings.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of all SKUs in the system.

Replenishment Rules:

• Develop and implement replenishment rules in conjunction with demand planning team to maintain optimal inventory levels.
• Monitor inventory levels and adjust replenishment strategies to prevent stockouts or overstock situations.

Issuing Stock Takes:

• Organize and coordinate regular physical stock counts to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Coordinate with warehouse and production staff to conduct inventory audits.

Reporting Discrepancies in Stock Takes:

• Analyze and report any discrepancies found during stock takes.
• Investigate the root causes of discrepancies and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

User Training:

• Provide training to staff on production planning processes, inventory management, and system usage.
• Develop and deliver training materials and sessions as required.

Work Instruction Creation:

• Create and maintain detailed work instructions for production planning processes.
• Ensure work instructions are clear, accurate, and easily accessible to relevant staff.

Monthly Stocktaking and Production OTIF Reports:

• Generate and analyze monthly reports on stocktaking results and On Time In Full (OTIF) production performance.
• Identify trend and area for improvement based on report data and provide actionable insights.

Providing feedback to Buyers:

• Collaborate with buyers to communicate purchasing requirements based on production needs and inventory levels.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication of purchasing requirements to support production schedules.

Production Scheduling

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules to meet the demand planning requirements and minimize downtime.
• Adjust schedules based on changing priorities, resource availability, and unforeseen disruptions.

Job Competencies:

• Proficiency in production planning software: Experience with production planning software (e.g. SAP, Oracle, other ERP system) for scheduling, tracking and reporting
• Attention to detail: Ability to identify and resolve discrepancies, ensuring accuracy in production orders, inventory, and scheduling
• Strong Organizational skills: Capability to manage multiple tasks and production schedules, ensuring efficient use of resources and smooth workflows
• Effective Time management: Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively, ensuring deadlines are met and production runs smoothly
• Team collaboration: Ability to work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., warehouse, production, demand planning) to ensure alignment and achieve production goals
• Adaptability: Flexible and responsive to changes in production priorities, resource availability, and external disruptions

Essential Job Requirements:

• Proven Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in production planning, inventory management, or a related role, ideally in a manufacturing environment (preferably with injectable products or similar industries).
• Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends or issues, and implement effective solutions to optimize production schedules, inventory levels, and overall operational efficiency.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities, balancing short-term demands with long-term objectives while ensuring production goals are met.
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with various teams (e.g., operations, warehouse, demand planning) and external stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to manage and ensure accuracy in production orders, inventory management, and reporting, while preventing and resolving discrepancies.
• Time Management Skills: Capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines efficiently while maintaining high levels of productivity and meeting operational targets.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, contributing to the overall success of production planning and inventory management efforts.

Desirable Job Requirements:

• Industry Experience: Experience in injectable products or pharmaceutical manufacturing, with knowledge of GMP, ISO 13485, or similar standards.
• ERP Expertise: Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and production planning modules.
• Certifications: APICS CPIM or similar industry certifications.
• Project Management: Experience managing cross-functional projects related to production or inventory optimization.
• Advanced Excel Skills: Strong proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Process Improvement: Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma principles for process optimization.
• Supply Chain Understanding: Strong knowledge of supply chain processes, from forecasting to delivery.
• Leadership Potential: Ability to mentor staff and demonstrate leadership.
• Serialization Experience: Familiarity with serialization and product

Why Join Us:

Sinclair Pharma offers a unique opportunity to join a dynamic and rapidly growing organization at the forefront of injectable products and medical devices. This is an exciting opportunity for an experience Production Planner to make a significant impact while advancing in your career within an industry-leading company.