Production Planner (6 months FTC)
Location: Market Drayton | Contract: 6 months fixed-term | Working Hours: 4 on 4 off (6am – 6pm) | Salary: £33,000–£35,000 per annum (pro rata)
Job Purpose: Produce efficient production plans to enable Factory Managers to review labour requirements, maintain service levels against KPI targets, review forward plans daily and communicate risks to service.
Key Duties, Accountabilities & Responsibilities
* Above normal working hours with close management of health & safety protocols.
* Ensure H&S policy compliance within the department and on site.
* Complete “Good catches” and pass them to the department manager for closure.
* Ensure all Health & Safety outstanding actions are logged and cleared within a reasonable timeframe.
Scope/Context
Palethorpes bakery manufactures both PF brand and private label short shelf‑life chilled products. Demand is driven by estimated sales; timescales are short to medium (days to 12 months). Sales turnover: £70m per annum; approximately 95 SKUs. No direct reports.
Key Accountabilities
* Plan product qualities to cover forecast demand.
* Plan raw materials and WIP to achieve production levels.
* Minimise wastage of finished products.
* Advise on capacity shortfalls and impacts on weekly forecasts.
* Generate daily management information reports accurately and on time.
* Collaborate with the commercial manager to develop plans for future demand and advise on required actions.
* Ensure production schedules are produced on time, minimising material wastage and maximising labour & plant utilisation.
* Develop scheduling techniques, including system maintenance providing data for scheduling tools.
* Ensure training is carried out in line with managerial expectations.
* Maintain professional internal and external communication.
* Coordinate with NPD and commercial teams on promotions, launches and delists.
* Communicate supply issues to customers and customer support.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Produce efficient timely production plans in line with business needs.
* Health & Safety / Food Safety & Quality knowledge.
* Flexibility, positivity and resilience.
* Continuous improvement methodologies.
* Delivering KPIs in a fast‑paced environment.
* Good communication skills (English and maths).
* PC skills.
Essential
* Experience in planning techniques.
* Proven experience in planning (preferably short life chilled environment).
* Highly numerate.
* Good verbal and written communication skills.
* Good Excel knowledge.
* Problem‑solving skills.
* Team working.
Desirable
* ERP system fluency.
* Rounded manufacturing experience (preferably short shelf‑life products).
* People management skills.
Personal attributes/competencies required
* Organised.
* Good communicator.
* Pro‑active.
Why Join Us?
At The Compleat Food Group we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits
* Salary sacrifice schemes – Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, SMART Pension.
* Annual leave with the option to purchase extra days.
* Holiday discounts via our online retail platform.
* Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in‑store.
* Free product handouts across our sites.
* EV charging points – available at selected sites.
Health & Wellbeing
* 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support.
* Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on‑demand exercise classes, gym discounts.
* Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes.
* Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources.
* Financial wellbeing tools – mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, financial aid.
Career Growth & Development
* Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS).
* Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role.
* Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations.
* Company Mentoring Scheme.
* Recognition through Club Compleat rewards.
Community & Culture
* 2 paid volunteering days per year.
* Charity initiatives and fundraising events.
* Team socials to connect and celebrate together.
* Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat.
* New baby gift for new parents.
Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to fairness, equity, inclusivity and respect. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.
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