Full-time | Monday–Friday (40 hours) | £31,000 per annum
(Occasional weekend work during peak periods)

The Opportunity

An established FMCG manufacturing business is seeking a Production Planner to join its operations team. This role plays a key part in ensuring production schedules, material planning, and inventory levels are aligned with customer demand while maintaining cost efficiency and high service levels.

Reporting into the Technical & Production leadership team, you’ll work cross-functionally with purchasing, production, sales, warehousing, and external suppliers to deliver accurate plans, minimise waste, and support continuous improvement across the supply chain.

The Role

You will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and adjusting production and material plans to ensure timely order fulfilment and optimal use of resources. This includes short- and long-term scheduling, inventory control, supplier communication, and customer order visibility.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Inventory Management

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and long-term production schedules aligned with sales forecasts and customer orders
• Monitor stock levels across raw materials and finished goods, minimising waste and excess stock
• Conduct regular stock audits across multiple storage locations
• Prepare and maintain documentation for distribution centres, including chilled and frozen products
• Participate in daily and weekly planning meetings to ensure cross-departmental alignment

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure achievement of KPIs related to order fulfilment, service level, and waste reduction
• Analyse data and trends to support forecasting and continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain audit readiness and accurate planning records

Supplier & Customer Coordination

• Order raw materials and packaging in line with production requirements
• Share forecasts with suppliers and resolve material availability issues
• Support supplier negotiations on cost and service levels alongside senior management
• Manage customer portals to communicate order status, delays, and stock availability
• Liaise with transport and distribution teams to maintain high customer service levels

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Warehouse, Sales, and Technical teams
• Support new product or production line introductions as requested by customers
• Resolve issues raised by distribution centres or customers in a timely manner

Experience & Skills

Essential

• Minimum 1 year’s experience in a planning role, ideally within FMCG
• Proven experience in production planning, forecasting, and inventory management
• Experience ordering materials and liaising with suppliers and customers
• Strong organisational and analytical skills
• Experience using Sage and EDI systems
• Demonstrated ability to manage stock levels to meet demand while minimising waste

Desirable

• Experience within the food manufacturing or food supply chain sector
• Knowledge of food safety principles (e.g. HACCP)
• Experience with temperature-controlled products and short/long shelf-life items
• Experience creating daily and weekly production schedules
• Familiarity with customer portals

What’s on Offer

• Salary of £31,000 per annum
• 24 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Staff discounts and access to wider retail, food, and leisure discounts
• Free on-site parking
• Ongoing learning, development, and career progression opportunities
• Supportive, inclusive working environment where contributions are recognised