Production Planner

Production Planner

📍 Location: Darwen
🕒 Hours: Full-time | 08:30 – 17:00 | Office-Based
💼 Contract: Permanent
💷 Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 (depending on experience)

About the Role

Swift is proud to be partnering with a well-established and highly regarded manufacturing business in Darwen. We’re currently seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Production Planner to join their dynamic Production Team.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for developing and managing efficient production schedules that ensure a consistent supply of high-quality products. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to align production with customer demand, regulatory standards, and inventory strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short- and long-term production schedules across the product range and SKUs.
  
  
• Monitor and forecast demand using sales data, stock levels, and seasonal trends.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and labelling requirements.
  
  
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and NPD teams to incorporate promotions, product launches, and custom orders into the production plan.
  
  
• Coordinate batch manufacturing for various nicotine strengths and flavours, ensuring proper sequencing to prevent cross-contamination.
  
  
• Ensure timely availability of raw materials and packaging.
  
  
• Prepare accurate work orders and maintain batch traceability documentation.
  
  
• Work with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to ensure all production meets compliance standards.
  
  
• Schedule equipment cleaning and changeovers to maintain GMP and ISO standards.
  
  
• Support audits and product recalls with detailed production documentation.
  
  
• Monitor real-time production output and resolve any variances from the plan.
  
  
• Identify and mitigate risks such as material shortages, capacity issues, or supplier delays.
  
  
• Recommend process improvements to enhance scheduling flexibility and efficiency.
  
  What We’re Looking For
  
  
• Experience in production planning or supply chain roles within vaping, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  
  
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes including mixing, filling, labelling, and packing.
  
  
• Familiarity with TPD regulations, product registration, and batch traceability.
  
  
• Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, advanced formulas) and ERP systems (e.g., OrderWise, SAP).
  
  
• Excellent planning, analytical, and organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
  
  
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across departments.
  
  If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for planning and process improvement, we’d love to hear from you