interim Production & Material Scheduler

Unilever; Blackbrook; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational consumer goods company in the UK seeks a production scheduler to manage production schedules and optimise operations in a fast-paced FMCG environment. The role requires strong analytical skills, effective communication, and familiarity with MRP/ERP systems like SAP. Ideal candidates will have previous production scheduling experience alongside strong Excel skills. This position offers the chance to drive improvements and manage complex scheduling tasks to fulfil business targets.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within FMCG manufacturing environment in the UK or global market.
• Previous experience as a production scheduler preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage the production schedule to meet customer requirements with efficiency.
• Review planning indices and maintain line capacity within factory constraints.
• Manage material ordering and forecasting using relevant tools.

Skills

Pro-active and analytical problem solving

Strong verbal and non-verbal communication

Ability to work independently

Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel

Education

Further qualifications in Scheduling/Supply Chain/Logistics (e.g., CPIM)

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage the production schedule including optimising the production plan to meet the customer requirements and cash targets with maximal efficiency.
• Based on demonstrated output, review planning indices and maintain line capacity to ensure production plans are achievable within known factory constraints.
• Management of end‑of‑life stock to minimise obsoletes and write‑off.
• Manage material ordering and forecasting using relevant Unilever tools; investigate and drive resolution of invoice queries.
• Controls master data for planning and material ordering tools to ensure maximum level of accuracy and drive No Touch Planning improvements.
• First point of contact for material suppliers.
• Daily delivery co‑ordination with suppliers, hauliers and Ultralogistics.
• Execution of innovation projects in line with customer requirements, including interaction with local and global project teams, minimising obsolete materials and ensuring planning readiness.
• Carry out investigations and root cause analysis using continuous improvement tools.
• Crisis management and escalation of supply problems to the relevant teams.

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience within FMCG manufacturing environment in the UK or global market.
• Previous experience as a production scheduler within manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Pro‑active and analytical with ability to understand trade‑offs when providing solutions to problems.
• Strong verbal and non‑verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise own workload based on business targets.
• Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems (preferably SAP or any other closely related system) and Microsoft Excel (able to use pivot tables/VLOOKUP at an intermediate level).
• Further qualifications within Scheduling/Supply Chain/Logistics (e.g. CPIM) preferred but not essential.