Category Planner
Location : Grantham
This role is a 5 day onsite working requirement
Purpose
To provide support to the Category planning lead enhancing productivity, customer service and optimising stocks and minimising wastage delivering improved performance for the business through effective planning of the supply chain.
Responsibilities
Provide planning support/conduct capacity planning activities for part of a category:
* Creation & publication of the balanced weekly mid-term (24 week) capacity plan including inter-site demand (e.g. meat), taking into account /providing insight into capacity, labour, yields, shifts, plant efficiencies,3PL requirements etc….. as applicable.
* Assistance with the publication of the balanced short term (14 day) capacity plan including inter site demand (e.g. meat) and resolution of short term supply/demand issues
* Support the regional supply planning controllers in the S&OP cycle/process
Independent Of The Planning Horizon Above
* Maintenance & communication around planning assumptions (e.g capacities) with key stakeholders.
* Identification of capacity bottlenecks and recommendations on options to eliminate.
* Identification of other supply risks/limitations (materials, labour etc).
* Balance supply across the sites across all time horizons to meet the demand forecast with the relevant resourcing between sites.
* Review of demand forecasts and impact on operational plans.
* Review and approve/recommend promotional activities for customers within the constraints of the supply plans with clear communication as required.
* Identification of commercial opportunities and co-ordination with revenue optimisation to maximise EBIT
* Cover for the planning or service controllers as necessary
Demand Management / New Launches
* Work in partnership with the NPD, demand planning & commercial teams to ensure efficient communication of launch plans and identification of volume opportunities to the business.
* Ensure all available customer data (EPOS/Waste etc) is efficiently built into operational plans.
Lead/represent in supply chain/wider business wide initiatives (e.g. BBQ, Xmas, new customers introduction…)
Inventory Management
* Analysis and management of category aged/obsolete stock.
* Management and communication of product life-cycle issues.
Development and reporting of key supply KPIs for category performance. This will include but not be limited to:
* Service level performance
* Inter-site forecast accuracy
* Adherence to Plan
* Inventory levels
* Plan Quality
* Planning Master Data Accuracy
Process Improvement
* Support the adoption and development of the supply planning process.
* Development / maintenance of planning spreadsheets to improve capability/efficiency of the team
* Adoption of new supply chain planning tools
General
* To adhere to the group Health and Safety policy, following all company policies and procedures that have been put in place to ensure your welfare and that of others. Being mindful that the Health, Safety and Wellbeing at work is everyone's responsibility.
Essential
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
* 3 years relevant experience in a supply chain role.
* Good knowledge and experience of MRP and other forecasting/planning systems.
* Proven analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decision making .
* Good communicator and presenter, both verbally and written.
* Able to command respect and influence to with peers and their teams.
* Good problem solving and process improvement.
* Highly IT literate and ability to learn new systems.
* Advanced excel skills (including basic VBA functionality).
* Capable of working at pace under strict deadlines.
Desirable
* Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline
* Experience in a similar role in other businesses and industries.
* Extensive knowledge of cost based/driven planning & optimisation systems
* Understanding and experience of working with an S&OP environment
* Understanding of the UK and Ireland food sectors
* Experience in the use of retailer web-based tools