At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production plans and coordinate stock availability for timely customer delivery.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading fresh produce company.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days holiday, free parking, pension plan, and life insurance.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage all to apply!
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or logistics with strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Description
The Planner is responsible for supporting the execution of ripening and production plans to ensure customer demand is delivered efficiently and on time.
Working closely with the Senior Planner, Operations, Logistics, and Procurement teams, the Planner will coordinate stock availability, ripening schedules, production requirements, and inbound transport movements to ensure operational continuity and service delivery.
The role is critical in maintaining accurate planning information, ensuring timely raw material supply, and supporting operational efficiency through proactive planning and communication.
- People
- Work collaboratively with Operations, Demand & Supply , Logistics, Sourcing, Quality, and Commercial teams to support planning execution.
- Build effective working relationships across departments to ensure alignment and quick resolution of issues.
- Support a positive and proactive team culture within the Planning function.
- Participate in team meetings, planning reviews, and continuous improvement activities.
- Safety
- Ensure planning activities support safe and achievable operational schedules.
- Consider operational constraints, labour availability, and site limitations when executing plans.
- Escalate risks where planning requirements may impact safe operations.
- Support adherence to site health and safety procedures through effective communication and planning coordination.
- Quality
- Ensure plans support customer quality requirements and product integrity.
- Maintain accurate planning and stock data to ensure traceability and compliance.
- Support effective stock rotation and product age management.
- Work closely with Quality and Operations teams to minimise quality risks linked to planning decisions.
- Cost
- Support efficient use of ripening rooms, labour, transport, and operational resources.
- Minimise waste, unnecessary transport costs, and operational inefficiencies through accurate planning and coordination.
- Support adherence to stock policies and inventory targets.
- Identify opportunities for planning and logistics process improvements.
- Delivery
- Execute daily and weekly ripening and production plans in line with customer demand and operational requirements.
- Coordinate inbound raw material requirements to ensure availability aligns with operational plans.
- Book transport for inbound raw material support production and ripening schedules.
- Liaise with transport providers, warehouses, and internal stakeholders to ensure timely deliveries.
- Book outbound vehicles based on customer order profiles
- Maintain accurate planning system data, including stock movements, inbound schedules, and planning updates.
- Support stock reconciliation and inventory accuracy processes ( Tray De hires )
- Communicate planning changes, shortages, or risks to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
- Support the achievement of customer service targets and OTIF performance.
- Assist in providing planning inputs into daily operational reviews and S&OE processes.
Requirements
- Experience within Planning, Logistics, Supply Chain, or FMCG operations.
- Strong organisational and coordination skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience using ERP/MRP or planning systems.
- Competent Microsoft Excel skills.
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving ability.
Desirable
- Experience within fresh produce, food manufacturing, or temperature-controlled supply chains.
- Transport booking or logistics coordination experience.
- Knowledge of stock control and inventory management processes.
- Understanding of S&OE or operational planning processes.
Benefits
- 20 days holiday
- Free on-site parking
- Company pension plan
- Medicash plan
- Life Insurance
- Salary - £35,000 per annum
Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.
We’re an equal opportunity employer.
All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status.
Shift Planner in Spalding employer: Westfalia Fruit
Westfalia Fruit is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Kings Hill that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while contributing to impactful communication strategies that position the company as a leader in the avocado supply industry. Join a team that values innovation and engagement, making your role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Planner in Spalding
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Westfalia Fruit and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Westfalia Fruit!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Westfalia Fruit keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Planner in Spalding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Westfalia Fruit:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Westfalia Fruit. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfalia Fruit
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Westfalia Fruit.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Westfalia Fruit that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Westfalia Fruit. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
