At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage daily production plans in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG company focused on effective planning and operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, development opportunities, and a solid work-life balance.
- Other info: Continental shift pattern with early starts; no typical 9-5 here!
- Why this job: Take ownership of planning and see the real impact of your work.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills and ability to think ahead; FMCG experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
LINCOLNSHIRE CONTINENTAL SHIFT (2s & 3s, 05:00 START)
Let's keep this simple. If you're the kind of planner who actually owns the plan, not just updates a spreadsheet, this will be right up your street. This is a fast-moving FMCG environment. Things change. Orders move. Priorities shift. You'll need to stay ahead of it, not chase it. You'll be at the centre of the operation, working with Ops, Procurement, Logistics, making sure the plan is realistic, understood, and delivered.
What you'll be doing:
- Building daily production plans that actually work on the shop floor
- Keeping plans live and relevant as orders come in (EDI-driven)
- Speaking to Ops - properly - so changes land and get executed
- Checking short-term feasibility with Procurement before anything is signed off
- Flagging risks early (not when it's already gone wrong)
- Keeping the planning horizon clean and under control
- Supporting new product launches with practical, workable schedules
- Stepping in when the team needs you - no silos here
What matters:
- You can think ahead, not just react
- You're comfortable making decisions without waiting to be told
- You understand how production actually works
- You're strong on Excel (you'll need it)
- You can communicate clearly - especially when things aren't going to plan
Useful background (not essential):
- FMCG or manufacturing experience
- SAP or similar systems
- Scheduling / forecasting exposure
The setup:
- Continental shift pattern (2 on / 2 off / 3 on)
- Early starts (05:00) - this is operational planning, not a 9-5 desk job
Why look at this?
- Proper responsibility - you'll see the impact of what you do
- A business where planning actually matters
- Solid package, development, and long-term opportunity
- If you like solving problems, keeping things moving, and being the person who keeps production on track, contact for a confidential chat
Production Planner employer: The Collective Network
Contact Detail:
The Collective Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out before your interview. Research their production processes, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll need to liaise with Ops, Procurement, and Logistics, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving abilities during interviews. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully navigated challenges in planning or production. This will demonstrate that you can think ahead and not just react.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing the job. We’re rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Planning Skills: When you write your application, make sure to highlight your planning experience. We want to see how you've owned the plan in previous roles, not just updated spreadsheets. Give us examples of how you've kept things moving in a fast-paced environment.
Be Realistic and Relevant: Tailor your application to reflect the realities of production planning. Talk about how you’ve built daily plans that work on the shop floor and how you’ve adapted to changes. We love candidates who can keep plans live and relevant!
Communicate Clearly: Communication is key in this role, especially when things don’t go as planned. In your application, share instances where you’ve effectively communicated with teams to ensure everyone is on the same page. We appreciate clarity and proactivity!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Collective Network
✨Own the Plan
Make sure you convey your understanding of what it means to truly own a production plan. Share examples from your past experiences where you took initiative and made decisions that positively impacted the production process.
✨Show Your Excel Skills
Since strong Excel skills are crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss specific functions or tools you’ve used in previous positions. If possible, bring along examples of reports or dashboards you've created to demonstrate your proficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key, especially when things don’t go as planned. Practice articulating how you would handle unexpected changes in production schedules and how you would keep all stakeholders informed.
✨Think Ahead
Demonstrate your ability to think proactively rather than reactively. Prepare to discuss how you identify potential risks in the planning process and the strategies you employ to mitigate them before they escalate.