Job Description – Production Planner
Subcontract Precision Machine Shop (Aerospace Focus) – Ireland
Job Title
Production Planner / Manufacturing Planner
Department
Operations / Production
Reporting To
Operations Manager / Production Manager
Location
Ireland
Company Overview
We are a precision engineering and subcontract machining company supplying high-quality machined components to the aerospace industry and other high-specification sectors. Operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we specialise in CNC machining, precision inspection, and delivery of complex components to demanding customer schedules and quality standards.
Role Overview
The Production Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating manufacturing activities to ensure customer orders are delivered on time, in full, and to the required aerospace quality standards. The role involves close coordination with production, purchasing, quality, engineering, and customers to maintain efficient workflow throughout the machine shop.
The successful candidate will balance machine capacity, labour resources, subcontract processes, and material availability while supporting continuous improvement and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
Work with the Production manager to develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules for CNC machining, finishing, inspection, and subcontract operations.
Prioritise work orders based on customer requirements, delivery commitments, and production capacity.
Monitor machine loading and labour capacity to optimise throughput and minimise bottlenecks.
Ensure realistic scheduling of aerospace components with consideration for setup times, lead times, and process complexity.
Update ERP/MRP systems accurately to reflect production status and delivery forecasts.
Customer Delivery Management
Ensure customer delivery dates are achieved and proactively communicate any risks or delays.
Liaise directly with customers regarding order status, schedule changes, and recovery plans where required.
Support on-time delivery (OTD) targets and customer performance metrics.
Expedite urgent orders and manage priority aerospace programmes.
Materials & Supply Chain Coordination
Work closely with purchasing to ensure raw materials, tooling, and subcontract services are available in line with production schedules.
Monitor shortages and coordinate recovery actions.
Plan external processes such as heat treatment, anodising, plating, NDT, and special processing.
Maintain traceability requirements for aerospace materials and subcontract operations.
Production Monitoring
Track work order progress through the shop floor and identify scheduling risks.
Attend daily production meetings and provide schedule updates.
Analyse production performance and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
Support reduction of lead times, WIP, and overdue orders.
Aerospace & Quality Compliance
Support compliance with AS9100 and customer-specific aerospace requirements.
Ensure planning activities support full material and process traceability.
Coordinate with quality and engineering teams regarding First Article Inspection (FAI), route cards, and controlled documentation.
Understand the importance of revision control and configuration management.
Continuous Improvement
Participate in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support improvements in scheduling accuracy, ERP usage, and production flow.
Assist with KPI reporting including OTD, machine utilisation, backlog, and schedule adherence.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
Previous experience in production planning, scheduling, or coordination within a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of processes and manufacturing workflows.
Experience working within an aerospace, medical, automotive, or high-precision manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
Strong organisational and multitasking skills.
Ability to work under pressure and manage changing priorities.
Good communication and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard office software.
Desirable
Experience within an AS9100 aerospace environment.
Understanding of aerospace documentation and traceability requirements.
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
Experience planning subcontract or special process operations.
Technical or engineering qualification.
Personal Attributes
Highly organised and detail-oriented.
Strong team player with good interpersonal skills.
Proactive and capable of making decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Commercial awareness and customer-focused mindset.
Ability to build strong working relationships across departments.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
On-Time Delivery (OTD)
Schedule Adherence
Reduction in Late Orders
Production Throughput
Work-In-Progress (WIP) Levels
Customer Delivery Performance
ERP Accuracy
Working Hours
Standard full-time hours with flexibility required to support operational demands.
Salary & Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience
Training and development opportunities
Equal Opportunities
The company is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity within the workplace.
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