At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate production and distribution plans to ensure timely delivery of bakery products.
- Company: Join a dynamic bakery team in West Bromwich with a focus on efficiency.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in planning and logistics within a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to improve processes and contribute to a successful team.
- Why this job: Perfect for problem-solvers who thrive in fast-paced settings and love keeping things organised.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or logistics, strong IT skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
Overview of role
Location: West Bromwich
As a Planning Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our bakery production and distribution plans run smoothly and efficiently. Working within the Planning Team, you’ll help balance customer demand, production capacity, and operational efficiency to make sure the right products are made, at the right time, and delivered to the right place. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in keeping things running like clockwork.
Key Accountabilities
- Daily Planning: Support the creation and execution of production and distribution plans to meet customer orders and delivery deadlines.
- Scheduling: Coordinate production schedules, taking into account labour, materials, and equipment availability.
- Data Management: Maintain accurate records within planning systems (SAP / planning software) ensuring stock, forecasts, and performance data are up to date.
- Communication: Act as a key link between Production, Engineering, Distribution, and Customer Service to ensure seamless communication.
- Problem Solving: Identify and resolve short-term planning or supply issues, escalating where needed.
- Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimise planning accuracy.
- Reporting: Generate and analyse performance and planning reports to support management decisions.
- Compliance: Ensure all plans and activities meet safety, quality, and food compliance standards.
The Right Person
You’ll bring strong organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities under pressure. You’ll be comfortable working with data, systems, and people across all levels of the operation.
Essential:
- Previous experience in planning, scheduling, or logistics (ideally within manufacturing, FMCG, or supply chain).
- Strong IT skills – especially Excel and planning/ERP systems (SAP experience desirable).
- Excellent communication and coordination skills.
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset.
- Team player with a proactive, can-do attitude.
Desirable:
- Experience in food manufacturing or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
- Understanding of production processes, stock control, and demand planning.
Planning Coordinator employer: Associated British Foods
Allied Mills is an exceptional employer located in Trafford Park, Manchester, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension plan, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for personal growth, employees are encouraged to thrive both professionally and personally. The company fosters a sense of community through initiatives like peer awards and an employee assistance programme, making it a rewarding place to build a career as a Class 1 LGV Driver.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Coordinator
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Associated British Foods and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Associated British Foods!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Associated British Foods keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Associated British Foods:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Associated British Foods. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Associated British Foods
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Associated British Foods.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Associated British Foods that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Associated British Foods. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
