Production Planner in Birkenhead

About Holiferm

Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market – moving the industry away from fossil fuel‑based chemicals toward biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling fast, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and help drive the next wave of growth.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Production Planner to play a pivotal role in keeping our commercial plant running smoothly as we scale – turning demand into a clear, achievable plan that delivers on time, every time. This is a broad, hands‑on role for someone who enjoys balancing detail with big‑picture thinking – building production schedules, keeping our ERP system accurate and fit for purpose, and coordinating closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Warehousing and Commercial teams. You’ll bring structure to shifting priorities, use data to spot risks early, and continuously improve the systems and processes that enable safe, efficient manufacturing and great customer service.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Using input from operations, commercial, engineering and procurement teams to develop a production schedule that balances operational and engineering requirements with delivering OTIF product and sample orders.
• Focal point for manufacturing ERP system, responsible for daily updates to the ERP system for product and sample manufacture, inventory and quality control.
• Developing and continually improving the ERP system to be fit for purpose for manufacturing, quality and financial requirements.
• Stock management of finished product across our UK and US warehouses including stock allocation for orders and samples.
• Compiling all necessary information for shipments and generating relevant documentation such as labels and providing timely communications with commercial as to order status.
• Managing operational consumable inventory levels through development and implementation of tools to ensure no stock outs and smooth operational running.
• Raw material and effluent delivery and collection management.
• Month end data gathering for performance KPI tracking.
• Continuously improving Holiferm’s systems and processes as we grow to increase efficiency and clarity of communications.
• Hands‑on aspects to this role in support of our warehousing team in delivery of sample or product orders as necessary.

You’ll be based at Oceans Park in Wallasey working our standard hours of 40 hours per week between the hours of 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday.

About You

What You’re great at (Essential)

• Experience running, maintaining and improving an ERP/MRP system (e.g., updating work orders/batches, inventory transactions, QC status, master data).
• Proven production planning and scheduling capability in a manufacturing environment, able to balance operational constraints, maintenance/engineering needs and customer delivery requirements.
• Strong understanding of inventory control (raw materials, consumables, finished goods) including stock allocation and avoidance of stock‑outs.
• Ability to coordinate cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Lab/Quality, Procurement, Warehousing and Commercial teams to deliver OTIF (On Time In Full).
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to re‑plan quickly and manage multiple changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills, including providing clear updates on order status, production progress and risks/mitigations.
• High attention to detail and strong problem‑solving skills; able to anticipate issues and act proactively.
• Competence in data gathering and reporting for KPI/performance tracking (e.g., month‑end updates).
• Familiarity translating sales demand into an executable production plan.

It’s a Bonus If You Also Have…

• Experience in fermentation, bioprocessing, chemicals or other batch‑process manufacturing environments.
• Experience improving planning processes and systems (SOPs, governance, master data quality, standard reports/dashboards).
• Understanding of quality release workflows and lot/batch traceability.
• Comfort providing hands‑on support in warehousing/dispatch during peak periods.
• Confidence compiling shipment information and producing dispatch documentation (e.g., labels, delivery paperwork) and supporting logistics coordination.

It’s Not Just Words – Our Culture Really Works This Way

We know lots of companies say they value openness, wellbeing and teamwork – but at Holiferm, it’s genuinely how we operate every day. People here look out for each other, share knowledge freely and celebrate wins together. Leaders are approachable, feedback is welcomed and you’ll always have the support you need to do your best work.

Not Sure You Tick Every Box? No worries. We know job adverts can sometimes make great people doubt themselves. If this role sounds exciting and you’ve got most of what we’re after, we’d really love you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities

Holiferm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive, respectful and equitable workplace. If you need any adjustments – whether during the application process or at interview – just let us know. We want you to feel comfortable, supported and able to show us your best self.

Recruitment Timeline

• Application deadline: 12 noon on Monday 25th May.
• Competency interviews: week commencing 1st June.
• On‑site interviews: week commencing 15th June.
• Expected start date: 1st August (or thereafter).