WIP Coordinator

WIP Coordinator - Contract (Aerospace)
Location: Southampton
Shift: Earlies - 06:00-14:15 (Mon-Thu), 06:00-12:00 (Fri)

Pay:
* £16.00-£17.00 per hour (PAYE)
* £20.62-£22.00 per hour (Umbrella)

Role overview
The WIP (Work In Progress) Coordinator supports the shop floor to deliver the short‑term production plan by aligning resources, managing priorities, and maintaining visibility of work in progress. The role involves coordinating schedules, tracking critical WIP, resolving delays, and escalating risks to avoid disruption to production. In some areas, the role also includes preparing workstations to ensure materials and consumables are available for operators.

You will work closely with Production, Production Control, Movement Control, and support functions, reporting into the production leadership for the area.

Key responsibilities

Health, safety and compliance
* Promote a safe working environment and ensure all EHS policies and procedures are followed
* Report accidents, incidents, and hazards in line with site requirements

Operational support
* Understand and manage short‑term production plans and priorities
* Maintain Line of Balance (LOB) and manage tactical priorities
* Update schedules, work‑to boards, and standard work schedules
* Track, drive, and resolve critical WIP and WIP dwell
* Liaise with Stores and other functions to ensure kit and material availability
* Enable workstations with required materials where applicable

Systems, reporting and data
* Ensure accurate and timely time, attendance, and job cost bookings
* Update daily and weekly reports and KPI data for the assigned work centre
* Conduct regular WOBS audits, including reconciliation of physical vs electronic WIP and correcting locations
* Interrogate shopfloor systems (e.g. MES) to ensure correct plan inputs and adjust variables where required

Quality, cost and housekeeping
* Ensure adherence to quality standards, processes, and procedures
* Minimise waste and support cost‑reduction initiatives
* Maintain high housekeeping standards, including tool control and clear‑desk policy

Teamworking and communication
* Attend production meetings and represent the area when required
* Communicate WIP status, risks, escalations, starts, and finishes
* Support knowledge sharing, coaching, and cross‑training within the team

This role includes physical activity and requires the ability to undertake manual tasks with appropriate assistance if required.

Requirements
* Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work under pressure
* Basic IT skills, including MS Excel (with willingness to develop further)
* Clear and confident communication at all levels

Desirable
* Experience in a manufacturing or production environment
* Knowledge of MRP or similar production planning systems
* Ability to influence effectively within a matrix organisation

Security clearance
Candidates must be eligible to adhere to ITAR restrictions, BPSS clearance is required and must be maintained