At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to optimise supply chain processes and ensure product availability.
- Company: UPM, a global leader in sustainable materials.
- Benefits: Impactful work, supportive community, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on work-life balance and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain or related fields; strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Would you like to join a global, growing company that innovates for a more sustainable tomorrow? UPM could be the team for you. We are frontrunners in developing renewable alternatives to fossil-based materials. Besides enabling both businesses and consumers to make more sustainable choices, we strive to create a positive UPM experience for all our employees around the world. We live by our values – trust and be trusted, achieve together, renew with courage. Together we can renew the everyday, for a future beyond fossils!
We are now looking for a Planning and Supply Chain Specialist to join our Supply Chain team, supporting our production planning and supply chain activities in ensuring materials and products are available when needed.
What you will do
- Support production planning activities to help maintain production schedules aligned with customer demand and business needs.
- Convert forecasts and customer orders into manufacturing and procurement plans together with relevant stakeholders.
- Monitor production progress and support schedule adjustments in response to changing priorities or operational constraints.
- Analyze work center capacity and resource requirements across manufacturing operations, identify potential bottlenecks and support actions to improve efficiency and delivery performance.
- Support purchasing activities for raw materials, consumables and selected products for resale to ensure timely availability and cost-effective supply.
- Create and manage purchase orders, monitor supplier performance and help resolve supply-related issues.
- Support inventory management by optimizing stock levels and identifying opportunities to improve inventory performance, through accurate master data management.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, reporting and supply chain performance monitoring.
Who you are
- You have experience in supply chain, production planning, procurement, manufacturing operations or a related field.
- You have experience working with ERP or MRP systems and using data to support planning and decision-making.
- You understand inventory management and supplier collaboration, or you are eager to develop your expertise in these areas.
- You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and can turn data into practical actions.
- You communicate effectively and build productive relationships with colleagues, suppliers and other stakeholders.
- You are well organized, able to prioritize competing tasks and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
- You have good Excel and data analysis skills.
- A degree in supply chain, business, engineering or a related field, experience in manufacturing, a CIPS qualification, or knowledge of lean and continuous improvement methods is considered an advantage.
This is what we offer to you
- A meaningful job: We have an inspiring purpose “We renew the everyday for a future beyond fossils”. Our work is impactful and transformative.
- A caring community: Our community is built on great team spirit and shared commitment. We care about each other and the well-being of our colleagues. We support the work-life balance of all our employees.
- Development opportunities: We offer you great opportunities to learn and grow throughout your career. We are an international, multi-business organization offering plenty of avenues for personal growth.
- Responsible employer: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to ambitious, science-based sustainability targets in all areas, from climate change mitigation to enhancing biodiversity. We foster diversity and inclusivity, offering a work environment in which everyone can be themselves.
Additional information about the position
This position is located in Lancaster, United Kingdom. The position holder will report to General Manager. For further information about the role, please contact Colin Barnes, General Manager, at colin.barnes@upm.com.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by August 2, 2026. Please note that we accept only applications submitted through our online application system. We begin reviewing applications as they are received, and you may be contacted before the application deadline. For support with submitting your application, please contact our HR Services team at careers@upm.com or tel. +44(0)1723502550.
Planning and Supply Chain Specialist employer: UPM Biochemicals
UPM is an excellent employer that prioritises sustainability and employee well-being, making it a great place for those looking to make a meaningful impact. With a strong focus on teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement, employees at our Caledonian mill benefit from a supportive community, ample development opportunities, and an attractive benefits package. Join us in renewing the everyday for a future beyond fossils, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning and Supply Chain Specialist
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at UPM Biochemicals, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Planning and Supply Chain Specialist.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Supply Chain Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at UPM Biochemicals. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research UPM Biochemicals and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at UPM Biochemicals
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at UPM Biochemicals.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by UPM Biochemicals
Look into any unique supply chain challenges UPM Biochemicals might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!