Production Planner

Job Description:

New Opportunity - Production Planner
 
Our client in Derby, is looking for an experienced and motivated Production Planner to join their team. In this role you will be creating and maintaining detailed production schedules, managing raw material availability, and coordinating with internal teams to meet customer demand, while reducing waste, inventory costs and downtime.
 
Previous experience within the food or FMCG industry is a key requirement to understand he fast paced environment and factors like perishability, seasonal demand and compliance requirements. 

As the new Production Planner, you will:
Production & Capacity Planning

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules that ensure on-time delivery of finished goods.
• Coordinate with production teams to create daily, weekly, and monthly plans based on sales orders, forecasts, and capacity.
• Align production schedules with customer demand while minimising stockouts, surplus inventory, and waste.
• Regularly update production plans in line with commercial and procurement guidance.

Raw Material & Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to prevent stock imbalances.
• Work with internal teams to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce excess inventory without compromising production flow.
• Ensure all stock is in place on site for upcoming product launches and removed for delisted lines.
• Monitor shelf life of finished goods and raw materials on site to reduce waste and recommend substitutions.
• Review finished stock position, identify any outliers and proactively raise with account managers and/or production team to find solution.

Supply Chain Coordination

• Collaborate with the Supply Chain team to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and dispatch of finished goods.
• Partner with production and warehouse teams to resolve supply or scheduling issues that may cause delays.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reduce lead times, and enhance scheduling efficiency.
• Support the implementation of process changes aimed at increasing overall operational performance.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Provide regular updates on performance against KPIs, including production adherence and schedule attainment.
• Generate reports to support business decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.

Team Collaboration & Cover Support

• Act as a key liaison between production, warehouse, sales, and supply chain teams.
• Support and mentor colleagues by sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Provide cover for planning and forecasting team members during periods of leave, absence or seasonal demand.

 
Requirements for this role:

• Previous production or manufacturing planning experience within the food or FMCG industry. 
• Proficient in ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Strong Excel skills for analysis and reporting.
• Must have strong Excel skills.
• Familiarity with planning and scheduling tools (APS, MRP, demand planning software).
• Detail-oriented and analytical, with a pragmatic approach to solving problems.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments with competing priorities.
• Calm under pressure and able to troubleshoot scheduling or supply chain challenges effectively.
• A strong communicator and team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Commercially aware and capable of aligning operational planning with business needs.
• Highly organised with experience in production scheduling and inventory management.
• Familiar with the complexities of the food or FMCG industry, including perishability, seasonal demand, and compliance requirements.

About you:

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Resilient and adaptable in high-pressure situations

About this role:

• This is a full time, permanent role. 
• 33 days Holidays - As working on bank holidays is often required. 
• Competitive Salary 
• Working hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

 
How to Apply:
Do you think you may be a good fit for this role? Then please get in touch today!
 
We invite suitably experienced candidates to apply by following the appropriate links or by contacting Recruit 2 You directly on (phone number removed) who are acting as an employment agency for this hire.
 
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