Steve Olongo
Summary
Production Planning and Control Specialist with a strong track record in optimising production schedules and improving workflow efficiency. Expertise in multiple ERP systems and advanced planning techniques, resulting in significant productivity gains and cost reductions. Demonstrated success in cross-departmental collaboration to enhance operational processes. Proficient in lean methodologies and data analysis for effective process improvement initiatives.
Overview
1
1
Language
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Planner
Torus Automation LTD (Industrial Physics)
Telford
03.2026 - Current
- Created and updated daily and weekly production schedules for execution.
- Planned production output from sales orders to meet set deadlines.
- Delivered on-time product schedules by maintaining detailed plans for commitments.
- Monitored material availability and identified shortages proactively to prevent production delays.
- Matched material requirements planning to inventory needs, preventing supply gaps.
- Streamlined production across departments to cut downtime and control costs.
- Improved delivery performance by removing bottlenecks and strengthening workflow.
- Protected delivery timelines by resolving production issues quickly.
- Managed flow of work and materials between departments to enhance production efficiency.
- Sustained uninterrupted production by monitoring inventory and ordering required materials.
- Kept 123 Insight ERP system data accurate and current for planning use.
- Utilised production data analysis to guide process improvements and reduce waste.
- Reduced schedule misses by reviewing production orders for accuracy and completeness.
- Maintained schedule confidence by tracking progress and escalating delays early.
- Optimised output by responding to demand shifts within production planning.
- Protected commitments by updating schedules for customer order changes.
- Facilitated production meetings to align team priorities and resolve key operational issues.
- Developed and updated planning boards and visual management tools to enhance operational transparency.
- Communicated clearly with internal teams, external partners, and customers for alignment.
- Supported shopfloor kanban system by calculating kanban levels and adjusting bins.
- Monitored work orders and escalated risks where schedule impact appeared.
- Aligned production planning with company goals through cross-team coordination.
- Upheld product standards by partnering with quality control on compliance.
- Supported smoother output by managing inventory systems around production needs.
- Worked with purchasing to resolve supply issues affecting production continuity.
- Supported smoother output by managing inventory systems around production needs.
Lead Production Planner
Savaria Lifts LTD {Accessibility Industry} Temp
Kingswinford
01.2026 - 03.2026
- Optimised D365 ERP system, streamlining production planning processes and improving overall workflow across site.
- Spearheaded creation and implementation of leader standard work (lean management tool) to enhance consistency and accountability in production planning.
- Facilitated development and documentation of comprehensive work instructions, improving clarity and efficiency within planning department.
Production Planning and Control Specialist III
Wabtec Corporation {Rail Industry}
Burton
05.2025 - 11.2025
- Developed and managed production schedules to optimise engine, transmission, and power pack overhauls.
- Managed detailed timelines for production processes to ensure timely completion.
- Leading daily planning and production meetings to monitor progress, discuss challenges, and find solutions.
- Supported weekly SIOP meetings to align production priorities with business goals.
- Collaborating with the supply chain team to schedule deliveries and optimise stock levels.
- Streamlining interdepartmental collaboration to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Analysing material usage patterns to predict future procurement needs and avoid shortages.
- Compiling and delivering routine reports on production efficiency, schedule compliance, and quality control.
- Monitoring labour availability to maintain optimal productivity.
- Analysing production variances and applying solutions to address inconsistencies.
- Resolving delays by modifying schedules, overseeing production timelines, and ensuring an efficient workflow.
- Evaluating production performance metrics to uncover enhancement opportunities.
- Delivered production status updates to internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and proactive communication.
Production Planner
GE Vernova {Energy Industry} - Contract
Stafford
06.2024 - 02.2025
- Oversaw the creation and release of SAP production orders.
- Executed strategic capacity planning using SAP systems to align production with demand.
- Optimised production plans to maintain cost efficiency.
- Tracked order status meticulously to ensure timely fulfilment.
- Minimised delays through effective planning.
- Managed schedules to accommodate unexpected changes.
- Resolved SAP ERP system planning discrepancies through order cancellation and rescheduling.
- Resolved MRP exception messages to ensure accurate material planning and inventory management.
- Analysed capacity planning data to pinpoint potential challenges.
- Delivered crucial insights on potential stock shortages, with future availability projections.
- Collaborated with production, material planners, and purchasing on material needs and forecasted availability.
- Investigated supply chain challenges, focusing on shortages, surplus inventory, and process efficiency.
- Controlled inventory flow to achieve a satisfactory stock of manufactured products.
- Collaborated with production supervisors to achieve delivery objectives.
- Conducted data scrutiny on anticipated customer demands, and implemented corresponding production changes.
- Analysed material and production patterns to safeguard production from short-term customer demand fluctuations, and uphold inventory target levels.
- Proposed strategic actions based on data analysis to enhance supply chain performance.
- Oversaw timely production, delivery, and metrics.
- Managed the backlog of production tasks.
- Estimated precise material quantities required at scheduled intervals.
Machine Shop Planner
Moog Aircraft Group {Aerospace Industry}
Wolverhampton
05.2019 - 06.2024
- Planned and scheduled workflow across multiple production cells.
- Executed the timely release of work orders.
- Coordinated part availability, facilitating timely release of work orders to machine shop.
- Scheduled tasks at constrained work centres to maintain an efficient workflow.
- Monitored production processes to maintain adherence to target commit dates.
- Re-prioritised work orders based on customer concerns.
- Addressed material shortages, effectively managing supply chain issues to minimise production delays.
- Collaborated with the Master Scheduler and Programme Management to identify customer needs.
- Utilised SAP for analysing customer needs and organising strategic plans.
- Facilitated timely delivery through effective coordination with Programme Managers, Purchasing, and Manufacturing personnel.
- Maintained regular communication with the Production Engineering, Quality, and Logistics departments to ensure timely updates.
- Conducted routine shop floor GEMBA walks to enhance workflow evaluation and identify improvement areas.
- Established reliable traceability between items and their corresponding work orders.
- Maximised cost efficiency in production while ensuring compliance with quality standards.
- Managed retrofitting and customer return demands.
- Prepared status reports detailing promise dates, and supply chain progress during daily discussions.
- Collaborated with various departments during New Product Development to ensure comprehensive traceability of materials.
- Supported Finance by resolving cost inquiries.
- Oversaw ECNs, Stop and Release directives.
Production Planner
Maier UK LTD {Automotive Industry}
Walsall
12.2013 - 05.2019
- Managed planning of 20 injection machines, 2 paint facilities, and 15 assembly cells.
- Devised production schedules for manufacturing departments.
- Implemented strategies for cost-effective production control and improved runtime performance.
- Facilitated logistics and production meetings to assess plan versus actual outcomes.
- Facilitated discussions during production meetings to align on maintenance demands and client requirements.
- Engaged in Maier UK monthly planning sessions to align production objectives.
- Organised and scheduled maintenance tasks weekly for injection, assembly, and paint facilities.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to ensure optimal stock levels.
- Collaborated with procurement teams, client technicians, and production schedules.
- Enhanced internal lean manufacturing goals, including the synchro planning initiative.
- Determined minimum and maximum WIP thresholds to streamline material handling.
- Utilised the Baan system to interpret customer needs effectively.
- Implemented proactive measures to circumvent potential material deficits.
- Developed methods to balance workload and optimise resource allocation.
- Recognised delivery discrepancies and devised alternative strategies.
- Guaranteed timely submission of all work orders, according to schedule.
- Developed production plans for injection assembly on a daily basis.
- Oversaw inventory levels, and created detailed reports for production management.
- Analysed control activities to guarantee compliance with required standards.
- Coordinated supplier deliveries with Purchasing.
- Coordinated production trials for new product development.
- Coordinated necessary equipment, resources, and workforce to adhere to the production timeline.
Education
Certified Forecaster and Demand Planner
International Supply Chain Education Alliance
Certified Lean Problem-Solving Practitioner
Moog Inc
BEng - Computer Engineering and Informatics
Moscow Power Engineering Institute
MoscowSkills
- SAP ERP system
- Microsoft Excel
- Production planning and scheduling
- Outcome-focused approach
- Assertiveness
- Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Demand-driven Material Requirements Planning (DDMRP)
- Inventory management
- Workflow management
- Workload balancing and prioritisation
- Expediting
- Manufacturing and warehouse procedures
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Interpersonal skills
- Organisational awareness
- Customer relationship-building
- Tolerance for change and uncertainty
- Open to different ideas, working practices, and cultures
- Materials planning
- Demand and Capacity planning
- Master Production Schedule (MPS)
- Creative problem-solving
- Constant Work in Progress system (CONWIP)
- Drum, Buffer, Rope (DRB) scheduling
- Kanban system
- Production levelling – Heijunka
- Baan ERP system
- Kinaxis Rapid Response planning tool
- Visual management systems
- KPI implementation and reporting
- Standard Work
- Plan board management
- Manufacturing maintenance planning
- Lean principles
- Working knowledge of change control, NPI, and push-and-pull techniques
- Data Analysis
- Adaptability to change
- Commercial awareness
- Timekeeping
- Collaborative teamwork
- Resource management
- Customer focus
Languages
English
Career goals
- Learning New Skills
- Advancement into Leadership roles
- Increasing Professional network
- Training and development
Hobbies and Interests
- Sports
- Fitness
- Reading
- World cinema
- Travelling
Timeline
Production Planner
Torus Automation LTD (Industrial Physics)
03.2026 - Current
Lead Production Planner
Savaria Lifts LTD {Accessibility Industry} Temp
01.2026 - 03.2026
Production Planning and Control Specialist III
Wabtec Corporation {Rail Industry}
05.2025 - 11.2025
Production Planner
GE Vernova {Energy Industry} - Contract
06.2024 - 02.2025
Machine Shop Planner
Moog Aircraft Group {Aerospace Industry}
05.2019 - 06.2024
Production Planner
Maier UK LTD {Automotive Industry}
12.2013 - 05.2019
Certified Forecaster and Demand Planner
International Supply Chain Education Alliance
Certified Lean Problem-Solving Practitioner
Moog Inc
BEng - Computer Engineering and Informatics
Moscow Power Engineering Institute