Master Production Scheduler
13 days ago
Stoke-on-Trent
Role Purpose\n\nThe Master Production Scheduler (MPS) is responsible for developing, maintaining, and continuously improving the master production schedule to ensure the efficient, cost-effective, and timely manufacture of products in line with customer demand, inventory targets, and capacity constraints.\n\nThis role acts as the central integration point between Sales, Operations, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Logistics, balancing demand and supply while supporting business objectives such as service level improvement, inventory optimisation, and operational excellence.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nMaster Production Planning\n\nOwn and maintain the Master Production Schedule across relevant plants, product families, and time horizons.\nTranslate the agreed demand plan into a feasible, capacity-validated production plan.\nEnsure alignment between Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), and shop-floor execution.\nMaintain schedule accuracy and integrity within ERP/MRP systems.\n\nCapacity & Constraint Management\n\nBalance production demand with available capacity across labour, machinery, tooling, and critical resources.\nIdentify capacity constraints, bottlenecks, and risks; develop mitigation plans in collaboration with operations and engineering teams.\nSupport long-term capacity planning decisions, including shift patterns, overtime, subcontracting, or capital investment input.\n\nCross-Functional Collaboration\n\nAct as the key liaison between Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Customer Service, and Sales teams.\nParticipate in S&OP and demand review meetings, contributing data-driven insights and recommendations.\nCommunicate schedule changes, risks, and priorities clearly to manufacturing and support teams.\n\nInventory & Service Performance\n\nDrive optimal inventory levels by balancing customer service, working capital, and production efficiency.\nMonitor and manage keyKPIs such as: \nCustomer service levels / OTIF\nSchedule adherence\nInventory turns\nForecast accuracy impact\nProactively manage risks related to material shortages, supplier delays, or demand volatility.\n\nContinuous Improvement & Systems\n\nIdentify opportunities to improve planning processes, data accuracy, and system usage.\nSupport implementation and optimisation of ERP/MRP, APS, or planning tools.\nChampion best practices in production planning, scheduling, and S&OP maturity.\nSupport root cause analysis for service failures or production inefficiencies.\n\nKey Skills & Competencies\n\nTechnical & Planning Expertise\n\nStrong understanding of: \nMaster Production Scheduling\nMRP / ERP planning logic\nCapacity planning and constraints management\nS&OP and demand planning interfaces\nHigh level of analytical capability with the ability to interpret complex data sets.\nAdvanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.\n\nCommunication & Influence\n\nExcellent stakeholder management and communication skills.\nConfident in challenging assumptions and escalating risks constructively.\nAbility to translate complex planning scenarios into clear, actionable messages for non-planners.\n\nBehavioural Attributes\n\nHighly organised with strong attention to detail.\nCalm and resilient under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.\nProactive, solutions-focused, and commercially minded.\nStrong sense of ownership and accountability for plan outcomes.\n\nExperience & Qualifications\n\nEssential\n\nProven experience (typically 3-7+ years) in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment.\nDemonstrated experience owning or contributing to a Master Production Schedule.\nStrong understanding of manufacturing processes and shop-floor operations.\n\nDesirable\n\nExperience in complex or high-mix manufacturing environments.\nExposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.\nFormal supply chain qualifications (e.g. APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, or equivalent).\nDegree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.\n\nKey Success Measures\n\nHigh schedule adherence and plan stability.\nImproved customer service performance and OTIF delivery.\nOptimised inventory levels aligned with business targets.\nEffective cross-functional collaboration and decision-making.\nContinuous improvement of planning processes and data accuracy.\n\nAt Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.\n\nBy applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data