Category Planner

Pilgrims Europe; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company is seeking a Category Planner in Grantham. This role involves supporting category planning through capacity planning activities and optimizing stock levels. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience in the supply chain, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in MRP and forecasting systems. Join a dynamic team dedicated to producing high-quality food products enjoyed across the UK and Europe.

Qualifications

• 3 years relevant experience in a supply chain role.
• Good knowledge and experience of MRP and other forecasting/planning systems.
• Proven analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decision making.

Responsibilities

• Provide planning support/conduct capacity planning activities for parts of a category.
• Maintain and communicate planning assumptions with stakeholders.
• Identify capacity bottlenecks and supply risks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Advanced Excel skills

IT literacy

Education

Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline

Tools

MRP systems

Forecasting/planning systems

Job description

Category Planner

Location: Grantham

This role is a 5-day onsite working requirement.

Purpose

To provide support to the Category planning lead, enhancing productivity, customer service, and optimising stocks and minimising wastage, delivering improved performance for the business through effective planning of the supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Provide planning support/conduct capacity planning activities for part of a category:

• Creation & publication of the balanced weekly mid-term (24 week) capacity plan including inter-site demand (e.g., meat), taking into account/providing insight into capacity, labour, yields, shifts, plant efficiencies, 3PL requirements, etc….. as applicable.
• Assistance with the publication of the balanced short-term (14 day) capacity plan including inter-site demand (e.g., meat) and resolution of short-term supply/demand issues.
• Support the regional supply planning controllers in the S&OP cycle/process.
• Maintenance & communication around planning assumptions (e.g., capacities) with key stakeholders.
• Identification of capacity bottlenecks and recommendations on options to eliminate.
• Identification of other supply risks/limitations (materials, labour, etc.).
• Balance supply across the sites across all time horizons to meet the demand forecast with the relevant resourcing between sites.
• Review of demand forecasts and impact on operational plans.
• Review and approve/recommend promotional activities for customers within the constraints of the supply plans with clear communication as required.
• Identification of commercial opportunities and coordination with revenue optimisation to maximise EBIT.
• Cover for the planning or service controllers as necessary.

Demand Management / New Launches

• Work in partnership with the NPD, demand planning, & commercial teams to ensure efficient communication of launch plans and identification of volume opportunities to the business.
• Ensure all available customer data (EPOS/Waste, etc.) is efficiently built into operational plans.
• Lead/represent in supply chain/wider business-wide initiatives (e.g., BBQ, Xmas, new customers introduction…).

Inventory Management

• Analysis and management of category aged/obsolete stock.
• Management and communication of product life-cycle issues.
• Development and reporting of key supply KPIs for category performance. This will include but not be limited to: Service level performance, Inter-site forecast accuracy, Adherence to Plan, Inventory levels, Plan Quality, Planning Master Data Accuracy.

Process Improvement

• Support the adoption and development of the supply planning process.
• Development/maintenance of planning spreadsheets to improve capability/efficiency of the team.
• Adoption of new supply chain planning tools.

General

• To adhere to the group Health and Safety policy, following all company policies and procedures that have been put in place to ensure your welfare and that of others. Being mindful that the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing at work is everyone's responsibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Essential

• 3 years relevant experience in a supply chain role.
• Good knowledge and experience of MRP and other forecasting/planning systems.
• Proven analytical skills and ability to use data to drive decision making.
• Good communicator and presenter, both verbally and written.
• Able to command respect and influence to with peers and their teams.
• Good problem-solving and process improvement.
• Highly IT literate and ability to learn new systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (including basic VBA functionality).
• Capable of working at pace under strict deadlines.

Desirable

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in a similar role in other businesses and industries.
• Extensive knowledge of cost-based/driven planning & optimisation systems.
• Understanding and experience of working with an S&OP environment.
• Understanding of the UK and Ireland food sectors.
• Experience in the use of retailer web-based tools.

Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland. Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value, and food service products.

Across Pilgrim's Europe, we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious, and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland, and Europe every day.