Operations & Production Planning Manager

Operations & Production Planning Manager

Lambourn Woodlands

Full Time – Permanent

Monday – Friday (Days)

Salary is dependent on experience

We are currently recruiting for an Operations & Production Planning Manager to join our client based in Lambourn Woodlands.

Our client is a leading independent contract chemical manufacturer and toll blender. Established in 1970, the company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality bespoke chemical manufacturing, liquid and powder blending, solvent recycling, and packing solutions. Operating from a modern, fully permitted site, they serve diverse industries across the UK and Europe—combining rigorous quality standards with a strong commitment to environmental standards & sustainability.

The privately owned company has seen recent growth through various product and market sectors, and as a result we are looking for a talented and keen individual to fill this role.

Key Responsibilities

* Production Leadership: Plan, coordinate, and direct all daily chemical blending, toll manufacturing, and packaging schedules to ensure on-time delivery.

* Safety & Compliance: Ensure health, safety, and environmental standards across the site, aligning operations with relevant standards.

* Team Management: Lead, mentor, and upskill production supervisors, chemical operators, to a culture of continuous improvement.

* Process Optimisation: Identify operational bottlenecks and implement lean manufacturing principles to boost yield, minimise waste, and improve resource utilisation.

* Resource Allocation: Manage labour, raw materials, and equipment scheduling to control manufacturing and optimise plant capacity.

* Balance customer orders with internal production requirements to support line operations

* Manage short and long-term customer order changes and adjust the production schedule accordingly

* Work with Projects and Maintenance teams to plan scheduled downtime while minimising disruption to customer deliveries

* Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.

* Quality Assurance: Working closely with the laboratory and quality control teams to ensure all final products consistently meet client specifications and ISO standards.

Required / Useful Qualifications & Experience

* Experience: Minimum 3 years of operational management experience in a fast paced planning / operational environment, this does not necessarily need to be chemical related

* Technical Skills: Must be Proficient across all standard I.T formats, MRP / ERP systems, SAGE 200 desirable, production scheduling, daily problem solving

* Leadership: Proven track record of managing diverse production teams and driving a positive workplace culture.

* Role : Whilst office based this is a busy role, you will be covering the manufacturing site regularly, interacting with staff and performing functions in line with the role.

Benefits

* Free parking

* 20 days Holiday + BH

* Pension scheme

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