At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage production schedules in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Award-winning food producer based in County Down.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, and Monday to Friday work schedule.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a thriving industry.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on food production efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in production planning and strong ERP system skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 € per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a well-renowned and award-winning food producer based in County Down with the key appointment of a Production Planner.
Reporting to the Production Manager, the Production Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining efficient production schedules to meet customer demand within a fast-paced chilled and frozen food manufacturing environment.
What we have to offer:
- Salary circa £40-45k DOE
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am-5pm
- 30 days holiday
Your day to day:
- The role plays a key part in the effective use, maintenance, and ongoing development of the ERP system to support accurate planning, stock control, and operational decision-making.
- Oversee the annual seasonal stock build and the coordinated despatch of this stock during the peak trading period each December.
- Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules using ERP forecasts, orders, and capacity constraints.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Production, QA, Engineering, Procurement, and Sales to manage changes and resolve issues quickly.
- Monitor production performance via ERP and adjust plans to ensure on-time order fulfilment.
- Optimise labour allocation and machine utilisation to improve efficiency and minimise downtime.
- Plan and manage chilled and frozen production runs, considering shelf life, storage, and operational constraints.
- Lead seasonal stock build programmes, ensuring sufficient inventory is produced ahead of peak demand (especially December).
- Oversee seasonal despatch operations, ensuring accurate scheduling, stock visibility, and timely order delivery.
- Act as a key ERP system user, maintaining master data accuracy and supporting system improvements, upgrades, and SOP development.
- Analyse data and produce reports on performance, forecasting, KPIs, and stock levels to drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards (BRCGS, HACCP) and maintain full traceability and audit readiness.
Your essential ingredients:
- Proven experience in production planning/scheduling, ideally within food manufacturing (chilled/frozen environments desirable); circa 200 SKUs.
- Strong understanding of capacity planning, workflows, and factory operations.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems, including planning, scheduling, stock control, and master data maintenance/improvement.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills, with the ability to turn data into actionable production plans.
- Knowledge of food safety standards (e.g. BRCGS, HACCP) and working within regulated environments.
- Experience managing seasonal demand peaks, stock build programmes, and time-sensitive despatch operations.
- Strong organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work under pressure and across teams.
- Proactive, adaptable mindset with ownership of planning processes, plus experience in ERP improvements, forecasting, or continuous improvement initiatives (qualifications desirable but not essential).
Interested in finding out more? Contact Paul Muir to discuss this opportunity in complete confidence.
Production Planner in Newcastle employer: Vickerstock
Join a leading and award-winning food producer in County Down, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values innovation and teamwork. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee development, this company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in food manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Planner in Newcastle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who work with ERP systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some practical experience. If you can, volunteer or take on short-term projects related to production planning. This not only boosts your CV but also shows potential employers your commitment and skills in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety standards and ERP systems. Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis to improve production processes in past roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Planner in Newcastle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Production Planner role. Highlight your experience in production planning, especially within food manufacturing, and showcase your hands-on experience with ERP systems. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience you have with turning data into actionable plans. We love seeing candidates who can make sense of numbers and drive improvements!
Highlight Your Teamwork:This position requires coordination across various teams, so be sure to highlight your communication and problem-solving skills. Share examples of how you've worked cross-functionally in the past – we value collaboration at StudySmarter!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t wait around! Apply through our website as soon as possible. With a high volume of applicants expected, getting your application in early will give you a better chance. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your ERP Systems
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of ERP systems, as this role heavily relies on them. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've used these systems to improve production planning and stock control.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Since advanced Excel and data analysis skills are essential, come ready to demonstrate how you've turned data into actionable plans in previous roles. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've created that led to improvements in production efficiency.
✨Understand Seasonal Demand
This position involves managing seasonal stock builds and despatch operations, especially during peak periods. Be ready to share your experiences with handling seasonal demand peaks and how you ensured timely order fulfilment.
✨Communicate Cross-Functionally
Highlight your ability to coordinate with various teams like Production, QA, and Sales. Prepare examples of how you've resolved issues quickly and effectively in a fast-paced environment, showcasing your strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
