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- Tasks: Create and manage production schedules while coordinating with teams to meet customer demand.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Derby focused on the food and FMCG industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising production processes and reducing waste.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills and experience in production planning are essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth opportunities and a collaborative culture.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Our client in Derby is looking for an experienced and motivated Production Planner to join their team. In this role, you will be creating and maintaining detailed production schedules, managing raw material availability, and coordinating with internal teams to meet customer demand while reducing waste, inventory costs, and downtime.
The right candidate will have a strong track record as a production planner, ideally within the food or FMCG industry to understand factors like perishability, seasonal demand, and compliance requirements. Being skilled with using Excel and various formulas is key to being successful in this role.
As The New Production Planner, You Will:
- Production & Capacity Planning
- Develop and maintain detailed production schedules that ensure on-time delivery of finished goods.
- Coordinate with production teams to create daily, weekly, and monthly plans based on sales orders, forecasts, and capacity.
- Align production schedules with customer demand while minimising stockouts, surplus inventory, and waste.
- Regularly update production plans in line with commercial and procurement guidance.
- Raw Material & Inventory Management
- Monitor inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to prevent stock imbalances.
- Work with internal teams to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce excess inventory without compromising production flow.
- Ensure all stock is in place on site for upcoming product launches and removed for delisted lines.
- Monitor shelf life of finished goods and raw materials on site to reduce waste and recommend substitutions.
- Review finished stock position, identify any outliers, and proactively raise with account managers and/or production team to find solutions.
- Supply Chain Coordination
- Collaborate with the Supply Chain team to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and dispatch of finished goods.
- Partner with production and warehouse teams to resolve supply or scheduling issues that may cause delays.
- Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reduce lead times, and enhance scheduling efficiency.
- Support the implementation of process changes aimed at increasing overall operational performance.
- Reporting & Performance Monitoring
- Provide regular updates on performance against KPIs, including production adherence and schedule attainment.
- Generate reports to support business decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
- Team Collaboration & Cover Support
- Act as a key liaison between production, warehouse, sales, and supply chain teams.
- Support and mentor colleagues by sharing knowledge and best practices.
- Provide cover for planning and forecasting team members during periods of leave, absence, or seasonal demand.
Requirements For This Role:
- Must have strong skills with using Excel and various formulas as this is a key part of this role.
- Proficient in ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
- Strong Excel skills for analysis and reporting.
- Familiarity with planning and scheduling tools (APS, MRP, demand planning software).
- Detail-oriented and analytical, with a pragmatic approach to solving problems.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic environments with competing priorities.
- Calm under pressure and able to troubleshoot scheduling or supply chain challenges effectively.
- A strong communicator and team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
- Commercially aware and capable of aligning operational planning with business needs.
- Highly organised with experience in production scheduling and inventory management.
- Familiar with the complexities of the food or FMCG industry, including perishability, seasonal demand, and compliance requirements.
About You:
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
- Resilient and adaptable in high-pressure situations.
About This Role:
This is a full-time, permanent role. 33 days Holidays - As working on bank holidays is often required. Competitive Salary. Working hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. An Excel test will be part of the screening process for this role.
How To Apply:
Do you think you may be a good fit for this role? Then please get in touch today. We invite suitably experienced candidates to apply by following the appropriate links or by contacting Recruit 2 You directly, who are acting as an employment agency for this hire.
Production Planner in Derby employer: Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association
Contact Detail:
Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food or FMCG industry. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Production Planner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Get your Excel skills sharp! Since this role heavily relies on Excel, brush up on your formulas and data analysis techniques. Maybe even create a mini-project to showcase your skills when you land that interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you've tackled challenges in production planning before. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. So, don’t hesitate – get your application in today!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planner in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Planner role. Highlight your experience in production scheduling, inventory management, and any relevant tools you've used, like Excel or ERP systems. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with practical solutions, especially in fast-paced environments like food or FMCG.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured letter that outlines your key achievements and why you’re a great fit for the team. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your Excel skills before the interview. Since this role heavily relies on data analysis and reporting, be prepared to discuss specific formulas and functions you’ve used in past roles. Maybe even practice a few common scenarios that could come up during an Excel test.
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with the food and FMCG sectors, especially regarding perishability and seasonal demand. Be ready to share examples of how you've navigated these challenges in previous positions. This shows you’re not just a planner but someone who understands the nuances of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you’ve identified and solved scheduling or supply chain issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset and ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Effectively
As a Production Planner, you'll need to liaise with various teams. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can convey complex information simply, as this will be crucial in your role and will impress your interviewers.
