At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage fresh produce supply chain and create accurate harvest plans.
- Company: Join Driscoll's, the global leader in fresh berries with a rich farming heritage.
- Benefits: Fixed hours, weekend shifts compensated with time off, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth in the supply chain industry.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team delivering delicious berries worldwide while honing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Detail-oriented planner with strong communication and analytical skills; ERP experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Harvest Planner, you play a key role in connecting supply and demand across our fresh produce supply chain. You are part of the Harvest Planning team and responsible for creating accurate, short‑term plans that ensure our customers are supplied on time and in full. From grower submissions and daily planning to purchase orders and arrivals, you manage the operational planning cycle while working closely with growers and key internal stakeholders. This is a fast‑paced, hands‑on role where accuracy, communication and timely decision‑making are essential. The role follows fixed working hours from 06:30 to 15:30 and includes one weekend shift every other week, for which you receive a compensatory day off during the week.
Responsibilities:
- Managing grower submissions, stock data and short‑term supply forecasts, ensuring accuracy and timely availability across all planning systems.
- Building and executing daily (Day 1) harvest and allocation plans, aligned with weekly supply, stock age, quality, logistics constraints and demand priorities.
- Allocating supply to demand using planning tools and ERP systems, identifying risks or gaps and coordinating adjustments with Planning, Logistics and Grower Operations.
- Acting as a central communication hub between growers, commercial teams, master planning, logistics and intake.
- Creating, updating and managing grower purchase orders, harvest orders and ASN related activities.
- Supporting intake and site teams with arrivals, open stock visibility and operational queries.
- Ensuring system inputs are accurate and contributing to continuous improvement of planning processes and ways of working.
What You Bring:
- Detail‑oriented and communicative planner who thrives in an operational environment where priorities can change quickly; comfortable working with data and engaging stakeholders.
- Strong planning and organisational skills, balancing accuracy and pace.
- Clear and confident communication skills when working with growers and cross‑functional teams.
- Analytical mindset, able to interpret data, investigate variances and resolve issues.
- Experience working with ERP systems (ideally Prophet) and strong Excel skills.
- Proactive and resilient attitude, confident to take ownership in a dynamic environment.
- Flexibility to work early starts, weekend shifts and adjusted weekly schedules.
- Understanding of operational supply‑chain processes, including orders, arrivals and ASNs.
Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness guide our mission to delight consumers around the world. Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods—meaning no GMOs. From farm‑to‑table, we focus on delivering a high‑quality, premium berry experience with our many supply‑chain partners.
Harvest Planner (6 months) in Maidstone employer: Driscoll's, Inc.
Driscoll's is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Maidstone where employees can thrive in their roles as Harvest Planners. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for professional growth within the fresh produce supply chain. Employees enjoy fixed working hours, a supportive atmosphere, and the chance to contribute to a globally recognised brand dedicated to quality and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Harvest Planner (6 months) in Maidstone
✨Tap into Temp Agency Networks
If you're eyeing a temporary role in supply chain operations, temp agencies can be your best pals. They often have exclusive contracts with companies like Driscoll's, Inc. that might not be posted publicly. Get registered with a few reputable agencies and stay in touch—they might just have the perfect gig for you!
✨Make Your Skills Shine
In the world of supply chain operations, showcasing your relevant skills can set you apart in a heartbeat. Try to highlight your experience with logistics software or inventory management techniques when chatting with potential employers. Offer specific examples of how you’ve streamlined operations in the past; it’s all about making that connection!
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Getting out there in the community isn’t just for full-time roles! Attend local supply chain meetups and networking events, as they can lead to temporary job opportunities. Plus, you never know—someone in the room could know about an immediate opening at Driscoll's, Inc. or have tips on where to look.
✨Be Agile and Available
For temporary positions, having flexibility can make you much more desirable to employers. Keep your schedule open and be ready to jump into assignments at short notice. If you can show that you’re adaptable, companies like Driscoll's, Inc. will notice and might keep you in mind for future temporary opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Harvest Planner (6 months) in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Supply Chain Knowledge:Make sure you showcase any relevant coursework or experience in supply chain management in your CV. If you've worked with inventory management systems, logistics planning, or demand forecasting, include specific examples to demonstrate your skills—this is key in supply chain operations!
Certifications Can Make a Difference:If you've got any certifications related to supply chain operations, like APICS or Six Sigma, splash them in your CV! They can really help you stand out. Temporary roles often look for candidates who can hit the ground running, so proving you’ve got that extra knowledge is a big plus.
Emphasise Flexibility in Your Application:Since this is a temporary role, it's super important to highlight your flexibility and readiness to adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your ability to learn quickly and your willingness to take on diverse tasks—this shows that you're the right fit for a dynamic supply chain environment.
Make Your CV Concise and Relevant:Keep your CV tight and relevant, focusing on the most important past experiences that relate directly to supply chain operations. Avoid filler and concentrate on the skills and experiences that will impress Driscoll's, Inc. and relate to the temporary nature of the role. Let's get you that interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driscoll's, Inc.
✨Know Your Supply Chain Tools
Brush up on the specific tools and software commonly used in supply chain operations, like SAP or Oracle. Make sure to highlight your familiarity with these during the interview at Driscoll's, Inc., as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
In a temporary role, they’ll want to see how quickly you can adapt and solve problems. Prepare for scenario-based questions that may ask how you’d handle disruptions like delays or inventory shortages. Think of real examples from your past experiences to share!
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a temporary position, emphasise your willingness to be flexible. Talk about how you’ve quickly adapted to changes in previous roles or how you’re able to step in and learn new processes swiftly, especially those unique to Driscoll's, Inc..
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Temporary roles often require quick integration into teams. Be ready to discuss your communication style and how you work collaboratively. You might face questions about working with cross-functional teams, so think about how you can highlight your teamwork skills.
