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- Tasks: Own short-term production planning in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established FMCG manufacturer with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for negotiation, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production and help shape the future of the business.
- Qualifications: Experience in Production or Supply Chain Planning in food manufacturing.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent growth opportunities as the business expands.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
You're a Production Planner who likes being close to the action. You want to know what's happening on the shop floor, talk to the people running the lines, and see the direct impact of your plans - not sit behind a screen updating schedules no one follows. That's exactly what this role offers.
This is a well-established FMCG manufacturer operating across chilled and frozen retail, supplying major UK retailers. The business is pushing into 100s of ÂŁmillions in turnover, producing anywhere up to 2 million units per week.
You'll be joining a planning team in a busy factory with a significant headcount, operating on a Sunday – Wednesday shift, initially training up on M-F, with increasing autonomy as you settle in.
The role
You'll sit at the heart of Supply Chain, owning short-term production planning in a fast-moving environment where most chilled orders are day 1 for day 2. Frozen production is planned separately, with stock held up to 4 weeks, giving you exposure to both reactive and stock-based planning models. This is a hands-on planning role. You'll be expected to spend time with the operational teams, challenge plans when needed, and ensure schedules are realistic, achievable, and delivered.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building and managing daily and weekly production schedules
- Finite scheduling in a mid-complexity manufacturing environment
- Working across low-risk to high-risk production areas, including some WIP
- Driving plan attainment and visibility (Redzone recently implemented)
- Supporting continuous improvement in planning processes and execution
- Working with an ERP currently part-way through a new system implementation, with APS / finite scheduling capability (Preactor experience would transfer well)
Why this role stands out
This business is in the middle of genuine change. A new director has recently joined and has been tasked with significantly growing the business over the next 3-5 years. Actively reshaping how planning and supply chain work longer term. Processes will evolve, systems will improve, and planners here will help design what “good” looks like - not inherit something broken. Culturally, it's a strong place to work: collaborative, supportive, and pragmatic. There is real scope for progression. As the business grows, they're already planning to expand the team and internal moves into procurement or other supply chain functions are fully supported.
Your background?
- Experience in Production or Supply Chain Planning within fast paced food manufacturing.
- Comfortable working with short lead times and operational pressure
- ERP planning experience (APS / finite scheduling exposure a strong advantage)
- A planner who is visible, engaged, and confident interacting with factory teams
- Strong Excel and analytical skills
If you want a planning role where your decisions genuinely affect output, service, and performance and where you can grow as the business grows - this is worth a conversation. Apply below.
Production Planner employer: The Sterling Choice Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Sterling Choice Ltd 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! Research their values, culture, and recent changes. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role there. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on discussions! Since this role is all about being on the shop floor and interacting with teams, think of examples from your past where you've successfully collaborated or solved problems in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to dive into the action!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Production Planning: When you write your application, let your enthusiasm for production planning shine through. Talk about your experience in fast-paced environments and how you love being hands-on with the operational teams. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making an impact on the shop floor.
Tailor Your CV to the Role: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this Production Planner role. Highlight your relevant experience in food manufacturing and any ERP systems you've worked with. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to understand your experience and skills without having to decipher complex sentences. Keep it simple, and make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice Ltd
✨Know Your Production Planning Basics
Brush up on your production planning fundamentals, especially in the context of food manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed schedules in fast-paced environments and how you handle short lead times. This will show that you understand the core of the role.
✨Engage with the Operational Teams
Since this role requires you to be hands-on, think about examples where you've interacted with factory teams. Prepare to share how you’ve collaborated with them to challenge plans and ensure realistic schedules. This demonstrates your proactive approach and teamwork skills.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with ERP systems and any finite scheduling tools you've used, like Preactor. Highlight specific instances where your analytical skills have led to improved planning processes or outcomes. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can drive plan attainment.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Think about how you’ve contributed to continuous improvement in previous roles. Be ready to discuss any initiatives you’ve led or been part of that enhanced planning processes. This aligns perfectly with the company’s focus on evolving their systems and processes.
