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 Widnes
At the north-eastern edge of Cheshire lies Widnes, a town of around 60,000 population built on heavy industry, particularly chemicals, where ICI had a huge presence for decades before fragmenting in the 1990s. The chemical industry chose Widnes partly for the plentiful supply of water, just like Runcorn, to which it is joined by a railway and road bridge over the Mersey.
The centre of Liverpool is 11 miles (17 km) to the west, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 4 miles (7km) form the centre of Widnes. Although not actually in Widnes, the Jaguar Land rover car production plant is just outside the town in Halewood, and it has been a large employer of people from Widnes. For decades the plant was owned by Ford, and the locals still cal the main boulevard that passes it “The Ford Road”. Under the new management, the factory is doing extremely well, helped by a local enthusiastic workforce.
Widnes has two musical claims to fame, one certain, one apocryphal. First was the Stone Roses’ Spike Island gig, the pinnacle of the Madchester scene in 1990. The second claim is that Paul Simon wrote “Homeward Bound” at Widnes Station, although Simon isn’t 100% sure himself!
Widnes has retained many of its industrial plants, although they are no longer owned by the giant ICI, and have been taken over by a multitude of companies. The well-connected town is handy for Liverpool, Warrington, St Helens and Runcorn, and has the M62 at its northern point. All this makes it a good place to locate any logistics operations, and indeed, Master Production Scheduler jobs or similar positions have been through our system in Widnes.
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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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