Key RESPONSIBILITIES
* Own the UK production planning processes & systems, delivering optimised daily, weekly, and monthly supply schedules based on demand, projects, capacity constraints and KPI targets
* Act as key integration point between supply chain, manufacturing and technical teams to ensure exceptional product availability for customer order fulfilment, whilst minimising downtime, costs from inefficient processes and slow-moving/obsolete products
* Set, monitor and publish key metrics on performance such as DoI, plan stability & adherence, resource utilisation and output efficiency to identify trends, optimise processes and workloads
* Manage, motivate, set objectives and develop a team of five production planners supporting alignment and delivery of Group & UK targets on a local operations execution level
* Collaborate closely with procurement and UK sites to maintain continuity of daily operations and contractual alignment on key commodities such as oils & potatoes
* Provide prompt and data-driven feedback to Customer Services on potential risks, root cause analysis, and corrective actions supporting the customer OTIF (On-Time In-Full) reporting. Actively propose improvements and offer solutions to mitigate risks.
* Act as a point of escalation to immediately address any plan failings or anticipated risks to service
* Drive the integration and adoption of Europe Snacks processes, systems and ways of working
* Utilise and improve existing ERP / MRP / MPS / reporting and scheduling systems (e.g. SAGE X3) and regularly audit all planning data, including master data, for accuracy and compliance
* Support inventory checks and month/year-end reporting processes
* Project inventory levels adjusting plans with make-to-order and make-to-stock models to achieve optimal stocks
* Lead and participate in cross-functional meetings to align on priorities, resolve issues, and improve service levels
* Set up processes for products sourced or transferred inter-site within the group so they are planned, plans are communicated and executed with sufficient lead times to achieve successful customer fulfilment
* Ensure team members are appropriately trained and organised to provide sufficient cover across UK sites
* Develop the tracking and forecasting of commodities usage & PPV, publishing analysis to ExCo, S&OP and other stakeholders
* Ensure compliance across all areas of responsibility in line with ES values, industry best practice and local statutory requirements
SKILLS
* Proven experience in production planning of a multi-line manufacturing operation within the food or beverages industry
* Good communicator with the ability to form and maintain good relationships with internal and external stakeholders
* Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and motivate a small multi-site team
* Strong interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills
* Commercial and financial awareness with an understanding of the supply chain and manufacturing workflows’ impact on business
* Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills
* Detail-conscious and numerically accurate
* The ability to remain calm under pressure, prioritise workloads and deliver to tight deadlines
* Ability to identify trends and draw actionable insights from data sets
* Continuous improvement mindset
* Excellent organisational skills
QUALIFICATIONS:
* 7 years of relevant experience using MRP / MPS or other production planning systems
* Minimum 5 years of planning/scheduling team management experience
* Experience in ERP / MRP (SAGE X3, SAP, Oracle or similar) essential
* Experience with production scheduling software preferred
* A degree in a related field is preferred but not essential