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 team.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, holidays, pension contributions, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Receive on-the-job training and development opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making delicious food for major retailers.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced environments, strong attention to detail, and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
- Maternity cover - FTC
- 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 (FTC) employer: Our Vacancies
Greencore is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture at our Heathrow site where over 450 colleagues collaborate to create delicious convenience food for leading UK retailers. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training and development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits including enhanced parental leave and a comprehensive wellbeing platform. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and inclusivity while making every day taste better.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Assistant (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Greencore. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Greencore’s products and values. Show us you’re passionate about making every day taste better and how you can contribute to that mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable talking about your experience and skills, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
✨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 serious about joining the Greencore team!
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Assistant (FTC)
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 examples where you've effectively communicated with teams or suppliers. This will help us see how you can fit into our vibrant team at Greencore.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your experience and skills without having to decipher complex sentences!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Our Vacancies
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Greencore's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their products and recent developments in the convenience food sector. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in fast-paced environments and how you've handled challenges. Prepare specific examples that highlight your attention to detail, analytical thinking, and communication skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the planning systems they use or how they measure success in the Planning Assistant position. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Dress the Part
While Greencore is a vibrant and fast-moving business, it's still important to present yourself professionally. Opt for smart-casual attire that reflects your respect for the interview process while also being comfortable enough to express yourself confidently.
