Assistant Planner Review

Encirc is a glass manufacturer which provides a filling service. My role is to ensure that all material requirements for filling are met according to a customer forecast. This includes the delivery of glass, labels, cases and closures. I am also responsible for the procurement of ingredients for flavoured beverages. I interact with multiple departments throughout the supply chain both internally and externally to ensure materials can be on site in time for filling. A large portion of my role is not just to meet requirements but to order efficiently to reduce costs and stock holding which is seen as an expense.

I have greatly improved my excel and Microsoft office skills in this role producing many spreadsheets to assist me with the high demand that requires review for my customers. My communication skills have enhanced from dealing with supplier and customers daily and this has greatly improved my confidence. My managing skills have also improved as I have coached colleagues to use my spreadsheets to assist them in their day to day roles.

I love my programme as it provides me with great exposure to other areas of the business I would otherwise be oblivious of. This improves my knowledge daily as I now ask questions beyond the interest of my role to better understand why we do what we do here at Encirc. The programme also gives me a great opportunity to learn best practices from other organisations and theorists which improves my way of working.

The workshops are very intense and a lot of information is thrown at you over the 2 day period. This could be improved I believe by focusing on the structure of the essay ahead and pointing individuals in the direction needed to achieve best marks. In my experience each topic have many areas to talk about and reflect upon and it can be unclear which is most appropriate when you are unfamiliar with the business sector you are researching about.

Plenty, I am allowed to manage my own time to read and write my assignments which is all I could really ask for. I don't expect to be told to research or write and neither would I want to be. The relationship between myself and line manager is well understood and he allows me to continue with my role as normal and dip out when I feel necessary to complete my coursework. Enicrc offers great support throughout the business regarding data and sharing of knowledge.

We attend the workshop, have an opportunity to send in a full draft at the halfway point of the deadline, and can ask general questions regarding the topic area so I would say they support me fairly. Their time is limited which is understandable but can be challenging if needing advice. Study skills are a service provided by the university which help with essay writing and research techniques which is a great additional service.

I am certain that it does enhance my daily performance. As mentioned earlier, I now consider areas of the business that previously wouldn't have concerned me as I am keen to learn about any and every business aspect I can. This provides me with a higher empathy for colleagues and appreciation for their targets and responsibilities. This has lead to improved working relations and a greater sharing of knowledge in the business from my point of view.

This area could be improved but Encirc is a growing organisation that has already demonstrated strides in this area. There is a social club that offers money off 2 events a year and a monthly draw. A gym is currently being installed in the Elton site and will hopefully be commissioned by June. The HR functions are expanding to deliver a better employee focus throughout Encirc which has already been demonstrated through the company Engage programme which has reduced working hours and provided all employees with an extra days holiday to give a couple of examples. I am sure there is more to come to improve Encirc's extra-curricular social activities.

Yes

It is expanding which offers new roles in interesting fields for new employees. There is great job security as it is a market leader in the Beverage and glass manufacturing sector. It has an employee focus which is building on current employee benefits and it pays well across the UK when compared role vs role.

Work hard and you will be rewarded so ensure you demonstrate your talent and try to help improve the working environment you find yourself in. The people are friendly so don't hesitate to ask for advice and guidance. As the company is growing you have an opportunity to grow yourself as the business environment and systems improve through many future projects.