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Our growing and innovative client, located on the Shropshire/Powys border, are looking for an experienced Production Planner to join their team and contribute to the future success of the business within a highly competitive industry.
Environmental sustainability is a key focus for their future development, pledging to continue minimising their environmental impact, becoming more sustainable and ultimately protect the environment around us.
What you can expect:
- Monday to Friday, full time & permanent
- Salary: negotiable and depending on experience, disclosed upon application
- 24 days annual leave plus bank/public holidays
What you will be doing:
- Lead the monthly demand planning process in collaboration with Sales, Marketing, and Finance, incorporating historical trends, customer run rates, promotional activity, product lifecycle changes, delists and broader market insights
- Facilitate and lead cross-functional monthly demand review and Sales & Operations Planning meetings to gain consensus and signoff on a rolling 3–6 month forecast horizon
- Manage bi-weekly exceptions meetings to assess and respond to late demand changes or opportunities, working with Operations and Sales to assess impact
- Generate detailed, efficient production plans that balance forecasted demand with available labour, machine capacity, materials, storage and energy consumption
- Monitor forecast accuracy and variance against actual sales, reporting KPIs and root cause analysis to Channel Heads and the Sales Director
- Develop weekly and monthly raw material forecasts and liaise with Procurement to ensure timely supply chain alignment
- Work closely with Engineering, Production and Quality to incorporate maintenance, cleaning and labour constraints into production schedules
- Maintain strong external supplier relationships, advising on delivery schedules and managing key planning inputs.
- Deputise for the Procurement Manager during periods of absence
What we are looking for:
- Advanced proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and analytical tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
- Strong academic background in Supply Chain, Business, Maths or related discipline.
- Minimum 3 years in a demand forecasting or production planning role, ideally in FMCG or manufacturing.
- Proven experience working cross-functionally to build and manage a consensus forecast.
- Track record of improving planning accuracy and operational efficiency. Solid knowledge of inventory management, scheduling, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience dealing directly with customers to understand forecasts, resolve issues, and maintain service levels.
- Strong analytical and statistical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
- Strong interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Recruitment Direct are working as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy, you must be able to prove your legal right to work in the UK to apply
