Job title: Production Planner
Reporting to: Production Manager
Hours of work: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Role Overview
The Production Planner is responsible for coordinating the production process from purchase order placement through to the delivery of finished goods. Working closely with Product Development, Buying, Logistics and external manufacturing partners, the role ensures production is planned, monitored and delivered in line with seasonal critical paths, quality standards and business objectives.
This role plays a key part in maintaining strong supplier relationships, monitoring production progress, coordinating logistics and ensuring accurate production records are maintained across internal systems. The successful candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating with suppliers and internal stakeholders across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Coordination
- Raise and issue purchase orders (POs) to manufacturers in line with production requirements and seasonal critical paths.
- Support the Production Manager with the planning, coordination and execution of seasonal production activities.
- Maintain and update production schedules, ensuring all manufacturing milestones are achieved.
- Issue production tickets and maintain the production plan for the tie factory facility.
- Coordinate the ordering of production trims, including labels and branded components, working with internal stakeholders where required.
Supplier Management
- Act as the primary point of contact for manufacturers and suppliers on all production-related matters.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to ensure effective communication and timely issue resolution.
- Monitor supplier performance, escalating risks and recommending solutions to minimise disruption to production.
Production Monitoring
- Track production progress across all manufacturing sites and external suppliers, ensuring products are delivered on time, within specification and to the required quality standards.
- Identify and proactively resolve issues affecting production, quality, cost or delivery schedules.
- Communicate production updates, risks and delays to relevant stakeholders.
Logistics & Shipping
- Coordinate the shipment of finished goods from suppliers, arranging freight and transportation through logistics partners such as DHL, Ziegler and other approved carriers.
- Ensure shipping documentation and delivery schedules are accurate and aligned with warehouse and business requirements.
- Liaise with freight providers and suppliers to monitor shipments and resolve any transport-related issues.
Systems & Administration
- Maintain accurate production records, purchase orders and supplier information across internal systems.
- Produce and maintain production reports, trackers and critical path documentation.
- Ensure all production information is accurate, up to date and readily available for internal stakeholders.
Supplier Visits & Collaboration
- Undertake regular travel to mills, manufacturers and supplier factories across the UK and Europe to monitor production, build supplier relationships, conduct quality reviews and support seasonal delivery.
- Work collaboratively with Product Development, Buying, Warehouse, Logistics and Merchandising teams to ensure products are delivered successfully and on schedule.
Experience
- Previous experience in a Production Planning, Production Coordination or Production Management role within the fashion, apparel or luxury goods industry.
- Experience managing supplier relationships and coordinating production across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Experience working with international manufacturers and logistics providers.
- Strong understanding of garment manufacturing processes and critical path management.
- Experience using ERP or production management systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Knowledge & Skills
- Good understanding of garment construction, production processes and quality standards.
- Knowledge of production planning, supplier management and inventory control.
- Understanding of import/export logistics and freight coordination.
- Familiarity with purchase order management and production scheduling.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple production schedules simultaneously.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and comfortable working across multiple business systems.
- Ability to prioritise effectively and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience working within a luxury fashion or premium apparel brand.
- Knowledge of Zedonk or similar ERP/PLM systems.
- Experience managing overseas production and supplier relationships.
- Understanding of customs procedures and international shipping documentation.