We are currently looking for a Production Planner to join our team.
Site Based: Atherstone
Working Hours: full time - Tues to Sat or Sun to Thurs.
About the Company:
Wealmoor is a leading global agri-food business supplying fresh produce to leading UK grocery retailers, operating across multiple production sites including Atherstone. We operate on a demanding 7-day ordering cycle for discerning customers, requiring a high degree of precision, responsiveness and consistency across our operations.
About the Role:
As Production Planner, you will be responsible for real-time, integrated production planning, balancing labour, produce, packaging, equipment and transport to achieve maximum yield, cost efficiency, and on-time-in-full delivery at quality at cost (OTIFAQAC). You will maintain a rolling 6-week production plan and a rolling weekly 7-day plan, proactively managing variances between forecast and actual orders.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain rolling 6-week and weekly 7-day production plans, aligning daily sales forecasting with operational capacity
- Proactively monitor and manage variances between forecast and actual orders, adjusting the daily plan in real time to protect OEE and on-time-in-full delivery at quality at cost (OTIFAQAC)
- Coordinate resource requirements across labour, produce, packaging, equipment, storage and transport to ensure smooth, on-time delivery
- Maintain planning KPIs and produce periodic reports, escalating risks to the business in a timely manner
- Train floor teams and lead process changes to ensure effective execution of the production plan on the shop floor. Supervise, appraise and develop direct reports (Operations Process Engineers), building cross-functional trust through clear communication
- Give particular focus to premium, short-season crop and promotional periods, using KPI reporting to protect variable margins
What we are looking for:
- Hands-on experience of planning in a complex FMCG manufacturing environment
- At least 4 years' continuous experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Just-in-Time principles
- Confident with ERP systems, and ability to efficiently handle large data sets and statistical analysis to drive informed decisions
- Strong Excel skills, Power BI or similar data analytical tools
- Experience with fresh produce, perishables, or short-shelf-life stock management is advantageous
- Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline
Personal Qualities
- Strong can-do attitude, with the resilience and drive to work effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment
- Ability to influence and build effective working relationships with stakeholders across the business
- Proven ability to drive change and continuous improvement across cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated ability to manage and contribute to complex, fast-moving decision-making processes
- Strong, succinct communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions
Production Planner Benefits:
- Competitive salary package
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- Excellent working environment in a growing organisation
- Comprehensive health and wellbeing support
- Stable, permanent role within the agriculture industry
If you think you are suitable for this Production Planner role, please apply now!