Overview
Production planning is a critical function in manufacturing. Planners ensure the right materials are available, machines are scheduled efficiently, and customer delivery dates are met. For graduates, employers want to see that you have used planning systems like SAP, understand manufacturing processes, and can manage schedules across multiple product lines.
Arjun Rao is a manufacturing engineering graduate from the University of Derby who completed a year-long placement at Rolls-Royce. His resume stands out because it shows real production scheduling work at an aerospace manufacturer, with specific volumes, lead time improvements, and system expertise.
What Makes This Resume Work
Rolls-Royce placement with production-line responsibilities. Managing schedules for 3 component lines producing 2,400 parts per month shows Arjun worked at genuine manufacturing scale. This is not a simulation or university project; it is real production with real customer commitments.
A lead time reduction with a specific percentage. Reducing lead times by 11% across 2 product lines is a measurable improvement that any production manager can appreciate. It shows Arjun can identify scheduling inefficiencies and implement practical solutions.
SAP PP module experience. Updating 300+ work orders per week in SAP is the kind of daily system work that production planners do. Employers need staff who can use ERP systems from day one, and Arjun has demonstrated this.
Cross-functional coordination with internal suppliers. Working with 8 internal suppliers and the quality team to maintain 94% on-time delivery shows Arjun understands that production planning is a collaborative role, not just a spreadsheet exercise.
Key Takeaways
For graduate production planner roles, describe the number of product lines you managed, the volumes involved, and the on-time delivery rates you achieved. Name the ERP system you used and the specific module (SAP PP, Oracle Planning, etc.). If you improved lead times, reduced waste, or increased capacity utilisation, lead with those numbers. A Lean Six Sigma certification at any level adds credibility, as does any experience with MRP or capacity planning.
