At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Supply Chain Planner, optimising production and inventory management daily.
- Company: Be part of a dynamic Manufacturing & Logistics Centre in Liverpool, UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fast-paced environment with opportunities for process improvements and career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in food manufacturing while collaborating with diverse teams and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in planning or forecasting is essential; a degree in a relevant field is desirable.
- Other info: Ideal for analytical graduates seeking a commercial challenge in a supportive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Liverpool, UK (onsite)
About the Role:
We are seeking a dynamic Supply Chain Planner (Production) to join our fast-paced, vertically integrated Manufacturing & Logistics Centre. This role is integral to ensuring smooth production planning, inventory management, and supply chain coordination across various business functions. The ideal candidate will have experience in food manufacturing and a passion for driving process improvements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and manage daily, weekly, and monthly production plans to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
- Ensure production schedules align with allergen controls, labor resources, and commercial priorities.
- Monitor and adjust factory output against the plan in an agile manner.
- Plan and schedule ad hoc production runs for global customer orders.
- Maintain finished goods inventory levels on both short and long-term bases.
- Participate in the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.
- Model and coordinate sales forecasts to meet demand efficiently.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve production planning.
- Present data insights to support strategic supply chain decisions.
- Work closely with Procurement, Commercial, Fulfilment, and NPD teams.
- Play a key role in new product launches and product discontinuations.
- Improve existing planning tools to support business growth.
Immediate Responsibilities & Key Projects:
- Take ownership of the day-to-day production planning function.
- Review current planning practices and implement rapid improvements.
- Build strong relationships across key business functions.
- Improve stock cover across all SKUs, ensuring effective stock management.
- Work with Commercial, NPD, Technical, and Operations teams daily.
- Support a continuous improvement culture within manufacturing and planning.
- Challenge stock levels, plan attainment, and ingredient requirements proactively.
- Manage daily reporting and key supply chain metrics.
- Operate independently and take initiative in problem-solving.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong communication skills to interact with senior management.
- Capable of overseeing planning for a large range of product lines.
- Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to document key working processes systematically.
- Positive, solution-focused mindset.
Candidate Profile:
Essential:
- Highly organized with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven experience in a planning or business forecasting role.
- Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and lead cross-functional teams.
- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
Desirable:
- Degree in a relevant field.
- Experience in FMCG or Sports Nutrition.
- Experience in an E-commerce or vertically integrated business.
Ideal Candidate:
A highly numerate and analytical professional seeking a commercial challenge. An exceptional graduate with relevant work placement or analytical experience. A supply chain planner with 2-3 years of experience in a similar role.
Supply Chain Planner employer: ZipRecruiter
Contact Detail:
ZipRecruiter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain Planner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and trends in the food manufacturing sector. Understanding the nuances of allergen controls and inventory management will help you stand out during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in data analysis and reporting. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas can significantly enhance your candidacy, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the supply chain and food manufacturing industries. Engaging with others in the field can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional teams and how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in past roles. This is key for the collaborative nature of the Supply Chain Planner position at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Supply Chain Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain planning, particularly in food manufacturing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage production schedules and inventory effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for process improvements and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Excel and data analysis, as well as your organisational skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams in previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: In your application, include instances where you've taken initiative in problem-solving or improved existing processes. This will demonstrate your adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at ZipRecruiter
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Supply Chain Planner, you'll need to demonstrate strong analytical abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis and how you've used Excel to optimise production planning in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Functions
Familiarise yourself with the various business functions you'll be collaborating with, such as Procurement and NPD. Showing that you understand their roles and how they impact supply chain processes will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of examples where you've had to adjust production plans or manage inventory levels under pressure, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight your commitment to continuous improvement in your past roles. Discuss specific initiatives you've led or participated in that resulted in enhanced efficiency or better stock management, as this aligns with the company's goals.