What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Planner position at GKN Automotive?
About Us
JOB DESCRIPTION
GKN Automotive is the market leader in conventional, all-wheel and electrified drive systems and solutions. With a comprehensive global footprint, we design, develop, manufacture and integrate an extensive range of driveline technologies for over 90% of the world’s car manufacturers.
Role purpose
For a Production Planner in a precision machining company supplying finished products to car manufacturers, the ideal profile must balance both technical expertise and behavioral competencies to ensure efficient production, on-time delivery, and high-quality standards. Here’s a detailed description of the ideal profile for this role:
Behavioral Profile
JOB DESCRIPTION
GKN Automotive is the market leader in conventional, all-wheel and electrified drive systems and solutions. With a comprehensive global footprint, we design, develop, manufacture and integrate an extensive range of driveline technologies for over 90% of the world’s car manufacturers.
Role purpose
For a Production Planner in a precision machining company supplying finished products to car manufacturers, the ideal profile must balance both technical expertise and behavioral competencies to ensure efficient production, on-time delivery, and high-quality standards. Here’s a detailed description of the ideal profile for this role:
Behavioral Profile
- Organization and Proactivity:
- Ability to plan and manage multiple demands and deadlines efficiently.
- Long-term vision with attention to detail in managing production stages.
- A proactive approach to identify and resolve issues before they become critical problems.
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving:
- Strong decision-making skills, particularly under pressure, with the ability to prioritize tasks and resources effectively.
- Problem-solving skills to identify production bottlenecks or failures and implement corrective actions promptly.
- Communication and Teamwork:
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with internal teams (production, engineering, quality) and external parties (suppliers, customers).
- Strong collaboration skills to work cross-functionally and align objectives across departments.
- Negotiation skills to coordinate with suppliers and stakeholders to find optimal solutions.
- Adaptability and Flexibility:
- Ability to quickly adapt to changes in production demands or customer specifications.
- Flexibility in adjusting plans in response to unforeseen events, such as changes in orders, equipment failures, or schedule adjustments.
- Results and Quality-Oriented:
- Strong focus on delivering products on time and with the required quality standards, meeting the automotive manufacturers’ expectations.
- A results-driven approach to achieving production goals without compromising on quality or safety.
- Knowledge of Machining Processes:
- Deep understanding of machining processes such as turning, milling, grinding, CNC machining, and others.
- Expertise in operating and optimizing machine tools to improve productivity and reduce costs.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications to ensure products meet automotive requirements.
- Production Planning and Scheduling:
- Strong experience with production planning and control tools, including MRP (Material Requirements Planning) and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
- Proficiency in creating and adjusting production schedules, considering setup times, production times, and resource availability.
- Effective management of material and part inventories, ensuring alignment with production needs while avoiding excess or shortages.
- Quality Control and Automotive Industry Standards:
- In-depth knowledge of quality standards required by the automotive industry, such as IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and others.
- Experience in conducting inspections, tests, and reviewing quality reports to ensure products meet stringent technical requirements.
- Familiarity with audits and certifications required by car manufacturers.
- Capacity Management and Operational Efficiency:
- Ability to analyze and optimize production capacity, identifying areas for improvement and implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, or Six Sigma practices to increase efficiency.
- Expertise in programming machines and optimizing cycle times, while managing human and equipment resources to maximize productivity.
- Supplier Management and Logistics:
- Strong skills in negotiating with suppliers of raw materials and machined components, ensuring timely deliveries and compliance with specifications.
- Understanding of logistics to ensure the timely delivery of parts and components to assembly lines, preventing production delays.
- Technology and Innovation:
- Knowledge of specialized production planning software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or specific PCP systems).
- Interest in technological innovations within machining, such as automation, system integration, and the latest production tools.
- Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or related fields. A Master’s degree or specialization in areas like Production Planning, Lean Manufacturing, or Supply Chain Management is a plus.
- Professional Experience: At least 3 to 5 years of experience in production planning, preferably within the automotive or precision machining sector.
- Certifications: Certifications in APICS/CPIM, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949) are highly valued.
