Production Planner

A seasoned Production Planner role for a global Food Wholesaler in Belfast will be responsible for balancing supply and demand requirements to maintain stock levels with the Purchasing department, minimise waste, and meet customer orders on time. You will be involved in planning and scheduling production activities, managing raw material and finished goods inventory, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal production flow.

Main Duties:

1. Production Planning & Scheduling
   You will develop and maintain detailed production schedules based on sales forecasts, customer orders, and inventory targets, and coordinate production plans to ensure that manufacturing processes align with demand requirements. You will use your collaborative skills working with the Operation/Production Manager to optimise production, adjusting schedules and minimising downtime. You will track and adjust production schedules based on equipment maintenance needs, raw material availability, and workforce capacity, and meet the delivery demands of customers.


2. Inventory and Stock Management Support
   You will monitor and work with the Purchasing department to manage raw material, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory levels to ensure continuity in production while avoiding overstock or shortages. You will ensure timely ordering of raw materials and implement stock rotation principles (FIFO/LIFO) to maintain inventory quality and minimise waste or product expiration, while carrying out regular stock audits and ordering within a timely manner.


3. Demand Forecasting and Analysis
   You will work closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to review sales forecasts and analyse data to generate accurate production forecasts while identifying trends, seasonal variations, and demand shifts to make informed production planning decisions.


4. Process Improvement & Efficiency
   You will use your process improvement skills to identify and implement process improvements to streamline production planning and inventory management processes while developing and maintaining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for production efficiency, on-time delivery, and inventory accuracy. You will participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimise resource utilisation, reduce waste, and enhance production flow, while collaborating with the Production and Quality Assurance teams to minimise production bottlenecks and resolve operational challenges.


5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   Liaise with the Production, Purchasing, Technical, NPD, and Logistics teams to ensure smooth coordination regarding production processes, any changes in the production schedule, and material shortages. Coordinate with the Quality Assurance/NPD team to ensure all products meet safety and quality standards before release.


6. Data Management and Reporting
   You will use your attention to detail capabilities to maintain accurate records of production schedules, inventory levels, stock movements in the ERP or inventory management system, and prepare reports for the Production/Operations Manager and senior management. Track metrics related to production efficiency, inventory turnover, stockouts, and on-time delivery to identify areas for improvement.

Your understanding of ERP/MRP systems and procedures, excellent analytical and communication skills, and understanding of production planning and inventory management in a food manufacturing context of FMCG will contribute to your success in the role.

If you feel you are ready to join this global food wholesaler to transform your career, please apply with your CV or reach out to us.

Start date for this position: 01/12/XXXX

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