production planner

Job Title: Production Planner
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire
Salary: £38,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week, 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Role Overview:
The Production Planner will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of production activities. This key role supports the Supply Chain/Operations department by developing accurate production plans, ensuring products are delivered on time and in full, and maintaining strong communication across all departments. The planner will focus on the delivery of customer orders, manage production schedules, and ensure that all materials, resources, and labour are optimally aligned for each production run. This role also plays a part in troubleshooting production issues and managing the strategic planning and forecasting of the business.

Key Responsibilities:
Production Planning & Scheduling:

* Create and manage production plans using planning software, ensuring daily production goals are met while aligning with machine availability and run rates.
* Work closely with the Maintenance and Prep teams to ensure machinery is maintained and materials are available when needed.
* Collaborate with the Commercial team to integrate customer demand into production schedules, adjusting for peak and off-peak periods.
* Review and adjust provisional plans, ensuring flexibility for changes in customer demand or unforeseen production delays.
* Forecasting and Capacity Planning:

* Regularly evaluate forward forecasts to anticipate changes in demand and adjust production plans to ensure products are delivered on time and in full.
* Monitor stock levels and production outputs to ensure materials are available when needed and avoid excess inventory.
* Work proactively to identify capacity issues and recommend improvements to maximize efficiency in production processes.
* Stakeholder Management:

* Communicate regularly with internal stakeholders such as Production, Commercial, and Maintenance teams to ensure alignment of schedules and availability of resources.
* Ensure effective communication between departments to minimize downtime and avoid production delays.
* Organize and participate in daily meetings to ensure smooth execution of the production plan and discuss any issues or changes.
* Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting:

* Identify and resolve production issues as they arise, working with relevant team members to find solutions to any disruptions in the schedule.
* Take a proactive approach to troubleshoot and mitigate potential risks in the production process to maintain efficiency.
* Promotions & Product Changes:

* Pre-plan for promotions, product changes, and new product launches, ensuring that these are incorporated into the production schedule without disrupting normal operations.
* Work with the Marketing and Commercial teams to ensure the proper alignment of production schedules with promotional activities or new product introductions.
* Production Labor Management:

* Liaise with the Production department to ensure sufficient labor is available for each production run, ensuring the workforce meets required output without excess.
* Work with the HR team to manage and optimize labor requirements, taking into consideration run rates, labor costs, and production needs.
* Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

* Provide regular reports on production performance, including delivery schedules, overtime, downtime, and material usage.
* Support the Planning Manager in continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that production processes are always evolving for greater efficiency and cost savings.
* Compliance and Standards:

* Ensure that all production activities comply with food safety, health and safety, and brand integrity standards.
* Regularly review production processes to ensure compliance with both internal and external regulations.

Key Accountabilities and Measurables:
* Customer OTIF (On Time In Full): Ensure timely and accurate delivery of products to customers, directly impacting service levels.
* Production Efficiency: Manage schedules to minimize downtime and optimize labor, as tracked by the Accounts team and reported to management.
* Health & Safety Compliance: Maintain a safe working environment in compliance with company standards and regulations.
* Cost Control: Ensure that production costs (including labor, material, and machine costs) are controlled and in line with budgetary expectations.
* Brand Integrity and Food Safety: Ensure all operations adhere to food safety regulations and preserve brand integrity.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:
* Technical Skills: Strong Microsoft Excel skills (including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis) and experience with planning systems (ERP or similar).
* Previous Experience: Prior experience in Production Planning, Supply Chain, or Purchasing is highly desirable.
* Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze production data, forecast demand, and adjust production plans accordingly.
* Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to resolving planning issues and optimizing production flow.
* Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively liaise with various teams across the business.
* Attention to Detail: Accuracy in planning, scheduling, and coordinating materials and labor is essential.
* Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
* Pressure Management: Ability to remain calm and effective when managing deadlines, unexpected production issues, or changes in demand.
* Adaptability: Flexible and open to adjusting plans based on changing business needs or external factors.
* Influencing Skills: Ability to influence decisions and motivate others within the business to achieve optimal results.
Additional Information:
* Training and Development: The role offers opportunities for personal development and further training in supply chain management, production planning, and ERP systems.
* Team Culture: You will be working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where teamwork, collaboration, and communication are key to success.
* Growth Opportunities: The role offers potential for career growth within the company, with opportunities to progress in planning, operations, or management roles.

MAN24