Supply Chain & Production Planner

Are you an experienced planner, materials coordinator, or supply chain professional looking for a visible, impactful role at group headquarters?
Make sure to apply quickly in order to maximise your chances of being considered for an interview Read the complete job description below.
Cathay Investments Limited is hiring a Supply Chain & Production Planner to join our head office team in central Croydon. In this role, you will be the core link between our executive management, commercial sales teams, and the European manufacturing operations of Lantor BV—our specialist manufacturing business producing high-performance materials for international cable and composite industries.
About the Role: Supply Chain & Production PlannerAs our Supply Chain & Production Planner, you will play a central part in scheduling manufacturing and securing materials for a dynamic 24/5 multi-machine production facility. Working alongside our Managing Director in Croydon and our planning team in the Netherlands, the Supply Chain & Production Planner manages line scheduling, monitors material availability via MRP, and issues purchase orders across our European supplier network.
Key Responsibilities of the Supply Chain & Production Planner:

• Production Scheduling: Build and adapt weekly detailed schedules for multi-stage continuous manufacturing machines operating 24/5, maintaining a balanced flow from machine to machine.
• Dynamic Re-Planning: Adjust production schedules on the fly to accommodate machine maintenance, rush orders, or shift staffing changes (such as team holidays).
• Materials & Purchasing (MRP): Interrogate MRP systems to assess raw material and packaging needs, raising purchase orders and securing lead-time commitments from European vendors.
• Freight & Inbound Logistics: Work closely with our internal freight forwarding team to monitor shipments and ensure materials arrive ahead of scheduled production runs.
• Commercial Alignment: Serve as the head office contact for sales teams, advising on capacity, monitoring manufacturing lead times, and updating customer delivery schedules.
• Stock & Data Control: Monitor inventory levels across ~1,000 product lines and keep system lead times, stock parameters, and supplier data accurate.

What We Are Looking For:

• Background: Proven experience as a Supply Chain & Production Planner, Production Scheduler, Materials Planner, Purchasing Assistant, or Supply Chain Coordinator.
• Planning Skills: Sound understanding of production flow, material lead times, and capacity management.
• Systems Familiarity: Experience using an ERP or MRP system (e.g., SAP, Sage, Dynamics, Syspro). Previous Sage 200 experience is NOT required—full training will be provided.
• Analytical Skills: Strong Excel and data skills to evaluate stock levels, calculate requirements, and interpret production rates.
• Communication: Clear, confident communication skills to collaborate effectively with overseas plant managers, external suppliers, UK sales teams, and senior directors.

What We Offer:

• Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 per annum (dependent on experience).
• Workplace Pension: Auto-enrolment company pension scheme.
• Insurance Protection: Comprehensive Life Insurance and Income Protection Insurance.
• Perks & Discounts: Group lifestyle benefits, including discounted shopping vouchers and corporate reward schemes.
• Prime Location: Central Croydon office location with immediate access to rail, tram, and bus networks. xwwtmva The role is full time in the office.