Head of Planning

Protea USA, Inc.; Attleborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in poultry operations is seeking a Head of Planning to ensure optimal production and fulfillment of customer orders. Responsibilities include developing production plans, managing a high-performing team, and collaborating with various stakeholders to drive operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, analytical skills, and have a background in demand planning.

Qualifications

• Experience in demand planning is essential.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Commercially astute and able to challenge the status quo.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning function to ensure customer fulfillment.
• Implement and optimize production plans.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

Commercial awareness

People leadership

Communication

Customer service

Analytical skills

Self-motivation

Problem solving

Education

Leadership and management qualification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

The Head of Planning is responsible for leading a Planning function to ensure the availability and profile of chicken meet operational needs for 100% customer fulfillment while adhering to quality, environmental, and poultry welfare standards. Works in close alignment with Commercial and Operational areas to drive increased revenue and profit to achieve the company's growth plans.

Responsibilities And Duties Include
Implement systems and processes to align production plans with optimized bird numbers & weights to meet customer orders.
Build collaborative relationships across the business to create a customer-focused culture.
Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team focused on continuous improvement, with clear succession and talent development plans.
Work closely with Commercial, Agriculture, and Operations to create mid-term forecasts based on customer needs and operational capacity.
Analyze data to maximize stock and operational efficiencies.

Essential Skills, Competencies, and Qualities
Commercially astute, articulate, technically strong, dynamic, and insightful; able to restructure and reprioritize work in changing contexts.
Display integrity, sincerity in behavior, and role model values; challenge others positively.
Ability to challenge the status quo, analyze problems, spot trends, and offer innovative solutions.
Highly self-motivated and self-aware, committed to personal development.
Energetic with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation.
Excellent communication and influencing skills.
Excellent customer service skills.
People leadership skills.
Experience in demand planning.
Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills.

Desirable Skills
Good computer skills (Microsoft Office).
Leadership and management qualification.
Wide poultry network.
Poultry welfare knowledge.

Key Responsibilities
Timely delivery of weekly and daily production plans.
Short- and medium-term forecasting.
Manage and resolve issues with stakeholders including Commercial, Operations, and Transport.
Liaise with the Agriculture team on bird health issues affecting production and quality.
Investigate and report on complaints, ensuring compliance and resolution.
Include in planning: catching team coordination, transport scheduling, crop breaks, and related documentation.
Maintain accurate data and attend relevant meetings.
Communicate with external buyers to procure additional live birds as needed.
Ensure budget compliance and seek cost-effective solutions.
Manage and motivate the team to perform and develop.
Monitor workplace risks for health and safety.
Act as an emergency contact.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 17:00.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent.
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per year.