Production & Materials Planner

Overview

In this role you will deliver end-to-end planning support across Production and Materials Planning to keep manufacturing on track and materials available. You will work with cross-functional teams to balance demand, capacity, and inventory, supporting continuous improvement and ERP-driven transformations. The position offers a 2-year fixed-term contract in Trowbridge with a collaborative, project-driven environment. You will help shape planning excellence and supply continuity for a leading UK food producer.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Bonus scheme
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Life assurance
• Canteen subsidy

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain short-, medium-, and long-term production plans aligned with demand, capacity, and inventory targets.
• Monitor stock and adjust plans to mitigate risks to customer supply and service levels.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Procurement, Technical, and Commercial teams to prioritise planning and resolve issues.
• Support regular planning reviews and analyse performance to identify improvements.
• Generate and manage raw materials and packaging purchase requirements to support production plans.
• Maintain inventory policies, lead times, and supplier constraints to optimise stock and working capital.
• Monitor inventory levels, provide actions to reduce waste and obsolescence, and support stock accuracy initiatives.
• Build relationships with Planning, Manufacturing, Procurement, Technical, Commercial, and Supply Chain teams, communicating risks and opportunities clearly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, ERP implementation projects, and planning KPI development.
• Ensure compliance with policies, data integrity in planning systems, and safe working practices.

Key requirements

• Experience in Production Planning, Materials Planning, or Supply Chain Planning.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing requirements.
• Experience with ERP and planning systems.
• Good understanding of inventory management principles.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions within guidelines.
• High attention to detail and organized, methodical working style.
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure.

• Strong communication
• Stakeholder management
• Analytical thinking
• ERP/planning systems experience
• SAP or SAP IBP (desirable)
• Inventory management

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