Master Production Scheduler jobs
Factories don’t necessarily churn out their products at full speed 24/7. While this might work for consumables like breakfast cereals or such products as chemicals, where shut-downs are not desirable, it is not always appropriate. For the most part, productivity will fluctuate throughout the year or as demand drifts in and out over multi-year cycles.
The master production scheduler will be in charge of taking demand, in the form of concrete orders, seasonal expectations or forecasts, and converting it into products to the warehouse or directly to the clients’ doors in response to the demand. Needless to say, this cannot be done by turning a dial around. For every increase in productivity there will be a commensurate increase in raw materials, parts, maintenance scheduling, staffing, packaging, transportation and perhaps factory hours. While this will be a relatively well drilled and routine operation, it still needs someone to set it in motion.
Generally speaking, master production schedulers are employed to deal with short-term changes rather than strategic alterations in productivity to respond to company policy changes. It’s more of a hands-on task. There will always be problems associated with changes in throughput, and the master scheduler will need to show an aptitude at taking the bull by the horns and working through these issues to the satisfaction of the customers.
The skills required
Master production scheduling suits people who like to have a hand on the tiller of a business, and they will have a considerable amount of responsibility to make sure their decisions are correct. Overproduction can be as much of a financial drain as underproduction, particularly where perishable goods are involved. An assertive but analytical personality will therefore be essential.
Because you will be the intermediary in the supply chain process, you will be dealing with suppliers, customers and staff who all have their needs, expectations, responsibilities and abilities. You might need to engage in a little negotiation to secure services or materials at short notice or large changes to regular orders, be they up or down. You’ll therefore need great interpersonal and communications skills if you’re to do the job successfully.
Previous experience in production scheduling will clearly be an advantage too. Most employers will be looking for someone to kit the ground running in such a position.
Master Production Scheduler Jobs in Lowestoft
On the north-eastern tip of Suffolk, 7 miles (11 km) south of Great Yarmouth and 21 miles (33 km) south east of Norwich, is the port town of Lowestoft. The town has a long history as a fishing and freight port town, and some of the earliest evidence of settlement in the UK has been found here. Unfortunately, the town's location and its harbouring of vessels and materials for the war efforts meant that it was bombed and shelled during both world wars, as was the case with many towns on the east coast.
Lowestoft got its railway link in the 19th century and this helped the town to boom as its trawlers' catches could be taken away to the cities quickly. The railway also stimulated other industry to set up there, as it made imports and exports simple by land and sea. Until the 1990s there were several multinational companies in the town, but they have largely gone now, and tourism plays a vital role – Lowestoft does have very attractive sandy beaches. Another well known industry was Lowestoft porcelain, which was among the finest in the world in its day.
It is not uncommon for Master Production Scheduler jobs to become available in Lowestoft and the surrounding area as the docks are still active, even if they are not at the same level as they were fifty years ago. There is still a major Birds Eye factory in the town, and the headquarters of Hoseasons Holidays is located there. Much employment comes from the oil and gas industries, too, and recently Lowestoft has become a key site for the manufacture of renewable energy equipment, from solar panels to offshore wind turbines. There is a population of around 65,000 and several ,moderately populated towns along the coast, which can all add up to a reasonably active logistics and supply chain sector.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
Cast UK’s founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. We are a growing force in the UK recruitment industry, mainly because these are the only sectors we deal with. Many employers often come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
Applicants approach Cast UK for many reasons. They might be seeking more job fulfilment, they could have been made redundant or they might simply be relocating for family reasons, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Master Production Scheduler for your business or find you a job as a Master Production Scheduler then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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