Graduate Production Planner

Real Steel has opened a brand-new, purpose-built factory in Hautapu. The site has been designed from day one for high-speed processing, smart material flow, modern machinery, safe workspaces, and future automation. This is a chance to join our Hautapu team from the beginning, learn how production planning works in practice and help shape how the factory runs.

About Real Steel Real Steel is a family-owned New Zealand business with a long history in steel processing and distribution. We supply steel solutions nationwide and operate sites in Upper Hutt, Ashburton, and now Hautapu. We’re known for consistent standards, strong customer relationships, and looking after our people.

Many of our team build long-term careers here. Once people join Real Steel, they tend to stay. 👉 Find out more at www.realsteel.co.nz As our Graduate Production Planner, you’ll help make sure the right jobs are scheduled at the right time, with the right information and materials ready to go. Working closely with our design, production and commercial teams, you will help keep schedules and job information accurate, identify potential issues and support the team to meet customer commitments.

This role would suit a recent graduate who enjoys working with systems, solving practical problems and bringing structure to a busy environment. You do not need previous production planning experience. We are looking for someone with the right attitude, strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn. Building and maintaining production schedules and plans that support production targets, customer commitments, and efficient workflow across multiple product streams.

Proactively review and manage planning schedules, identifying potential issues and implementing adjustments to ensure delivery of overall operational objectives. Monitor lead times and resource availability, adapting plans and priorities to maintain schedule performance and customer commitments. Collaborate closely with design, production, and sales teams to resolve issues early and minimise any impact on delivery timelines.

Creating and maintaining job information in our systems (including BOMs and routings) Generating and issuing clear production documentation, drawings, and work instructions Keeping ERP/MRP transactions up to date so materials, jobs, and traceability are accurate, ensuring production administration activities are completed accurately and on time.

Processing machine programming and nesting to maximise material utilisation and machine efficiency Helping improve how we plan, schedule, and structure work as the site grows A relevant qualification in supply chain, operations, engineering, manufacturing, business or a related area A proactive, go-getter mindset with a willingness to learn and take initiative Confidence working with systems and detailed information Strong organisational skills and attention to detail The ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment Clear communication and a team-first attitude Experience with ERP/MRP systems or CAD software is helpful — but not essential.

We’re open to training the right person with the right attitude. Why join Real Steel? Be part of the founding team at a brand-new factory Modern machinery and a purpose-built production environment A company that invests in its people and long-term careers Real opportunities to grow as the site expands A supportive team culture within a family-owned New Zealand business Ready to join the Hautapu team?

Apply now with your CV and a cover letter. Take the first step toward building a future with Real Steel at Hautapu.