Job Title: Raw Materials Planner
Salary: Up to £38,000 DOE
Location: South Kirkby, West Yorkshire
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Overview:
The Flavour Network is currently recruiting for a Raw Materials Planner to join a well-established, fast-paced food processing business based in South Kirkby. This key planning role oversees raw material planning for allocated proteins, ensuring production targets are met while minimising waste and managing supply challenges effectively.
As Raw Materials Planner, you will play a critical role in coordinating fresh and frozen raw materials, aligning supply with production requirements, and responding swiftly to logistical or intake challenges. This opportunity would suit an organised, detail-focused individual with a can-do attitude, strong planning experience, and a track record in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities for the Raw Materials Planner:
* Oversee the planning function for allocated proteins, ensuring efficient supply to meet production demand
* Order specific fresh and frozen raw materials in line with production requirements
* Process increases and decreases in material volume requirements in a timely manner
* Identify and communicate supply shortages or intake issues to relevant stakeholders
* Coordinate blast-freezing processes for materials requiring dicing, liaising with on-site and off-site teams
* Provide detailed production plans to ensure timely dicing of correctly frozen materials
* Calculate and plan daily raw material returns to site via backload
* Review short-shelf-life materials daily to minimise waste and manage risk
* Confirm receipt of purchase orders with suppliers and follow up on outstanding items
* Book frozen stock into third-party cold storage facilities and manage despatch or recall as required
* Handle calls from customers and stakeholders, resolving issues promptly or escalating where necessary
* Provide holiday and absence cover within the planning team
* Support continuous improvement initiatives within the planning function
* Work closely with Commercial teams to provide adequate samples for new product development
* Ensure compliance with all company policies, including Health & Safety and Food Safety standards
Requirements for the Raw Materials Planner:
* Planning or logistics-based qualifications are desirable
* Previous planning experience is essential
* Experience in a fast-moving or food manufacturing environment
* Strong planning skills with excellent attention to detail
* Ability to identify errors in data and written information
* Strong reporting and data analysis skills are desirable
* Knowledge of food manufacturing processes
* Driven and motivated, able to work independently and as part of a wider team
* Strong interpersonal skills and an effective team player
* Able to adapt to change and operate in an agile environment
* Flexible and committed approach to working hours
* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook
* Minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades A*-C / 4-9) including English and Maths