Job Description
- Planning Manager - Food - £35,000 - £40,000 – Lancashire I am working with an established family run business who place a strong emphasis on quality ingredients, and many of their products are made using natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives. They cater to different tastes and dietary needs, offering both standard and more indulgent varieties which they distribute to an array of high end clients across the UK. The client is looking for a skilled professional with a passion for demand forecasting, production planning, and efficient inventory management with experience in the food industry essential for this position. This individual must be highly organised and a proactive individual to join the team in a key role that combines analysis, collaboration, and execution. Key Responsibilities: Analyse historical data and sales performance to create accurate demand forecasts for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods. Collaborate with strategic customers to ensure that their forecasts are incorporated into the production plan. Develop and manage the production schedule to ensure timely and complete fulfilment of customer orders. Work closely with procurement to ensure materials are ordered on time and stock levels are monitored for accuracy. Work closely with commercial, procurement, production, and finance teams to ensure seamless coordination. Monitor and maintain stock levels for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods. Collaborate with the stock controller and warehouse teams to ensure accurate tracking and minimize waste. Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, collaborate with the Factory Manager and Financial Controller to optimize production line efficiency, and ensure production performance aligns with forecasted demand. Continuously review and update production plans, ensuring alignment with customer forecasts and procurement needs. Proactively incorporate buffer times for unexpected changes or delays. Work closely with strategic customers to address their specific planning needs and ensure smooth order processing, adjusting production plans as necessary. Contribute to the creation and analysis of reports on stock levels, production performance, and demand forecasting, supporting decision-making across various departments. What We’re Looking For: Strong analytical skills and experience in demand forecasting and production planning. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and strategic customers. Experience in inventory management, stock control, and efficiency improvement initiatives. A proactive approach to problem-solving and process optimization. If this role is of interest, please apply via the link or contact me directly on LinkedIn to further discuss.