Vacancy NameProduction Planner Employment TypePermanent CountryUnited Kingdom LocationLong Sutton Business AreaOperations Workplace TypeOnsite About PrincesThe Princes Group has over 7, employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day. None of this would be possible without striving to be an employer of choice, where our colleagues are proud to represent our business. Role DescriptionJob Purpose
The Production Planner is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating Finished Goods production to meet customer demand on time and in full while maintaining maximum efficiency and minimal downtime. This role involves balancing demand with available capacity, and ensuring strict adherence to food safety, quality, cost and allergen protocols.
Deliver a production plan, by assessing capacity, highlighting issues and identifying opportunities to balance customer demand and Long Sutton’s supply in the medium- and the short-term.
Re-evaluate service levels daily - proactively amending production schedules to react to demand and sales forecasts so as to optimise customer service and operational costs.
Cover for team members on holiday/sickness periods and deputise for Planning Manager when required.
Key Responsibilities
• Production Scheduling: Develop detailed daily/weekly production schedules based on demand and resources available, ensuring optimal throughput and minimal downtime. Including seasonal.
• Inventory & Material: Coordinate with Scheduling team to ensure all raw materials are on-site for production runs, and to minimize spoilage and working capital.
• Stock Management: full ownership of FG, blocked and residual stock to minimise working capital and product write off.
• Efficiency Optimization: Analyse production performance, optimize batch sizes, and adjust schedules to improve labour and machine efficiency.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure all plans adhere to HACCP, food safety regulations, and allergen segregation protocols.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with MPS, Sales, Supply Chain, NPD, Procurement, Technical, Engineering and Production Operations to align on targets and address potential shortages or demand changes.
• Reporting & Analysis: Maintain accurate master data in ERP systems and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) like production attainment, customer service and plan accuracy.
Role Requirements
Required Skills
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in production planning or supply chain management, preferably within the FMCG or food manufacturing industry.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP ERP, SAP APO) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (data analysis, modelling).
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Plan Attainment 95%
• Costumer Service 99%
• Working capital (as per budget)
• RFT 99%
Benefits:
• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Birthday off
• 14.5% Pension – 5% employee opt in / 9.5% employer
• Flexible Holiday Option - Buy 5 Additional Days
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Potential Corporate Incentive Scheme (company performance based)
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