Permanent, full time role | Hybrid working
Do you have a strong analytical mindset and a passion for optimizing capacity and resources?
Arla Foods are currently seeking a Global Planning Specialist to join our Global Planning Cheese team, based at our Head Office in Leeds. As part of the Global Planning function, you’ll join a team of dedicated professionals across Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and the UK.
How you will make an impact
As a Global Planning Specialist, you’ll act as a key link between our Sales and Production teams, aligning demand with capacity. You’ll play a critical role in supporting Master Production Planning across our UK dairies, balancing available milk and capacity with demand. From a global perspective, you’ll help ensure our resources are used as efficiently as possible, driving optimal performance across the network.
Key responsibilities include;
- Facilitate Plant Review Meetings at site and collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Lead forecasting analysis, including sales follow-up, plan adherence, and site utilisation analysis
- Prepare and communicate material & analysis for the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process
- Create production plans for site and monitor performance, identifying and resolving supply and demand imbalances
- Develop production plans and monitor performance, identifying and resolving supply and demand imbalances
- Drive cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement, challenging processes and practices where applicable.
What will make you successful?
We’re looking for a proactive, analytically strong individual, ideally with a degree in Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Previous experience within planning or logistics would be advantageous, alongside a solid understanding of supply chain processes and production performance metrics, such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
You’ll be highly proficient in Excel, with experience using structured analysis and complex formulas. Familiarity with SAP (particularly planning master data) is important, alongside a good foundational understanding of Power BI or similar BI tools.
You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, matrix organisation, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across functions. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with a calm and solution-focused approach and the ability to operate under pressure.
What do we offer?
We’re committed to supporting your growth and development, offering internal and external training opportunities. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, and flexible benefits.
Would you like to join us?
Please apply directly or contactOlivia Pine, Talent Acquisition Partner at Arla Foods, for more information. The closing date for this position is the 30th June 2026 only CV’s sent directly via the link will be considered.
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.
