At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning and scheduling to meet stock and service targets in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Greencore, a leading UK convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, holidays, pension contributions, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Receive on-the-job training and career development opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team delivering delicious food to major retailers across the UK.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and proficiency in software like Word and Excel.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Permanent - Full-Time
Salary: Negotiable
Why Greencore? Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we're one of the UK's leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make every day taste better. As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we're proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately 4bn. Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.
Here at Heathrow, we are a growing team with around 450 colleagues. We produce chilled & hot eat Food for Now products including salads, sandwiches & wraps, Protein Pots & snacking, as well as Food for Later products such as ready meals & sides for some of the biggest retailers in the UK including Amazon Fresh, Asda, Aldi, Co-op, Morrisons and Sainsbury's.
What you'll be doing:
- Working 4 on 4 off (6am to 6pm) to support the implementation of optimum plans and schedules that deliver stock and service targets and/or procure materials/labour.
- Support planners maintaining Material availability.
- Manage risks within the plan and amend orders where possible/practical to achieve customer service and stock targets.
- Share forecasts with suppliers and work with them to resolve.
- Manage ongoing communication with the operations teams to ensure accurate exchange of information.
- Issue all paperwork to Operations and Warehouse teams.
- Monitor distribution providers' 'real time' delivery performance, escalating potential OTIF failures as early as possible - both internally and to customers.
- Quality of communication with distributor and Customer.
- Utilise available planning systems to convert sales forecasts into achievable production and material plans and schedules that optimally balance customer service and operational cost efficiency.
- Propose and implement continuous improvements in own area.
What we're looking for:
- Experience working in a fast-paced seasonal environment.
- Attention to detail skill and ability.
- Can demonstrate analytical thinking.
- Good communication & organisation skills.
- Confident and regular user of software packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
If this sounds like you, join us and grow with Greencore, and be a part of driving our future success.
What you'll get in return:
- Competitive salary and job related benefits.
- Holidays.
- Competitive matched pension contributions.
- Life insurance up to 4x salary.
- Company shares save scheme.
- Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform.
- Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform.
- Enhanced parental leave and menopause policies.
Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on the job training and development opportunities to further your career. We reserve the right to close this advertisement before the stated closing date.
Planning Assistant - West Drayton employer: Greencore Group
Greencore is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in West Drayton where over 450 colleagues collaborate to create delicious convenience food for leading UK retailers. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including matched pension contributions and enhanced parental leave, as well as a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, Greencore provides a supportive environment for career growth and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Assistant - West Drayton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Greencore on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Greencore’s products and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making every day taste better.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves liaising with various teams, being clear and confident in your responses will set you apart. Maybe do a mock interview with a mate?
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Greencore family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Assistant - West Drayton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Planning Assistant role. Highlight your experience in fast-paced environments and any relevant skills that match what we're looking for, like attention to detail and analytical thinking.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since good communication is key in this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to convey information clearly. Use examples from past experiences where you effectively communicated with teams or suppliers.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your work history, be specific about your achievements and responsibilities. Mention any software packages you've used, especially if they relate to planning or scheduling, as this will show us you're ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Greencore and our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greencore Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Greencore's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their products and the role of a Planning Assistant. This will help you connect your skills to what they’re looking for.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in fast-paced environments and how you've handled challenges. Use specific examples that highlight your attention to detail and analytical thinking, as these are key traits for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since good communication is crucial for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you would explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing planning systems or stock management.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the planning processes, or how Greencore measures success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
