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 By applying for this role you give permission for Purely Recruitment to submit your personal information contained within your CV or any other relevant information provided in order for the prospective employer to review your application for the specific role applied for. Purely recruitment will not submit or use your personal information for any other purposes other than for searching for alternative employment