Junior Master Planner (Maidstone OR Breda)

Driscoll's; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in berry production in Maidstone seeks a Junior Master Planner to support Strategic and Supply & Operations Planning targets. This role involves scheduling inventory, collaborating with teams, and managing small product categories, ensuring alignment while contributing to strategic objectives. The ideal candidate is proactive, eager to learn, and has a foundation in supply chain management. Competitive growth opportunities in a dynamic FMCG environment await the right individual.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional growth

Supportive and fast-paced environment

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of planning or scheduling experience.
• Experience in a multinational FMCG environment is advantageous.
• Fluent in English; Spanish is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication and data flow between teams.
• Monitor performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• Assist with scenario planning and provide backup support.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Anaplan

Job description

Location

UK - Maidstone

Job Family

Supply Chain

Time Type

Full time

Job Requisition ID

R0008500

Experience Years

0-3 Years of Experience

Employee Type

Regular

Remote Type

Onsite

About The Opportunity

The Junior Master Planner plays a vital role in supporting the achievement of Strategic and Supply & Operations Planning (S&OP) targets and objectives, with a strong focus on post-harvest planning. This role ensures inventory is (re)scheduled to meet order fulfillment goals through daily cross‑functional alignment between Supply Chain and Sales. Collaboration with stakeholders across manufacturing, supply chain and sales is essential to ensure the effective execution of the Master Production Schedule (MPS). The Junior Master Planner also facilitates the flow of communication and data between ERP systems and planning tools, supporting the activities of connected Master Schedulers. In addition to post‑harvest planning, the Junior Master Planner is responsible for master planning smaller‑scale product categories such as Berry Valley, Organics, Red Currants, Plums and Rhubarb. While these categories are smaller in size and complexity, their planning dynamics are comparable to other berries. Through daily cross‑functional alignment with international stakeholders, the Junior Master Planner ensures these plans are created, executed and monitored efficiently, capturing real‑time dynamics to maximize value. The success of this role is measured by critical performance metrics, including order fulfillment, lead‑time performance from field to dispatch and inventory fruit age. As part of the Master Planning team—an integral function within the organization—this role directly influences the successful realization of strategic and S&OP objectives through high‑quality and effective master plans.

Responsibilities

The Junior Master Planner plays a key role in supporting Strategic and Supply & Operations Planning (S&OP) objectives, with a strong focus on post‑harvest planning. You will ensure inventory is accurately scheduled to meet order fulfillment targets and maintain alignment between Supply Chain and Sales. This role also involves planning for smaller product categories such as Berry Valley, Organics, Red Currants, Plums, and Rhubarb, capturing real‑time dynamics to maximize value and efficiency. This is a junior position, ideal for someone eager to learn, develop their skills in planning and supply chain, and grow within an international FMCG environment.

Key Highlights

• Support the development and execution of the Master Plan.
• Ensure accurate scheduling and inventory management for smaller product categories.
• Collaborate with Sales and Supply Chain teams to align operational execution with S&OP objectives.
• Opportunity to learn and grow within a supportive, fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

You will facilitate the smooth flow of communication and data between manufacturing, supply chain, and sales teams, using ERP systems and planning tools. Monitoring key metrics such as order fulfillment rates, lead times, and fruit age helps to identify areas for improvement. You will also assist with scenario planning, recommend process improvements, and act as a backup for Master Planners to ensure continuity of operations.

Main Responsibilities

• Process and maintain accurate planning data between ERP systems and planning tools.
• Monitor performance metrics and highlight areas for operational improvement.
• Assist with scenario planning and support decision‑making for Master Planners.
• Provide backup support during Master Planner absence to maintain continuous operations.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a proactive and detail‑oriented planner with a strong foundation in operations or supply chain management who is eager to learn and develop their skills in a fast‑paced FMCG environment.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field
• 1–3 years of planning or scheduling experience
• Experience in a multinational FMCG environment is advantageous
• Familiarity with S&OP processes is a plus
• Exposure to post‑harvest or agricultural planning is beneficial but not mandatory
• Fluent English, Spanish is an advantage
• Advanced proficiency with ERP and planning tools; experience with Anaplan is a plus
• APICS CPIM certification is advantageous
• English fluency required; Spanish is a plus
• Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities

Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strategic mindset and is motivated to achieve results while fostering collaboration across teams. You are eager to learn, adapt quickly to changing dynamics, and align planning activities with organizational goals. Strong communication, problem‑solving, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with a willingness to develop yourself and support the growth of others.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and forward planning
• Collaboration and cross‑functional communicationInnovation and continuous improvement mindset
• Solution‑oriented, proactive, and adaptable
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally
• Ability to develop oneself and others, with courage and transparency

Other Information

This role involves occasional international travel and participation in a rotating weekend schedule to cover Master Planning duties during weekends and public holidays.

Important: This role does not offer visa sponsorship, so candidates must already be residing in the Netherlands or the UK.

Additional Details

• 5–10% travel across international sites
• Weekend and public holiday rotation for Master Planning coverage
• Opportunity to contribute to strategic S&OP objectives and post‑harvest planning excellence

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world. Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm‑to‑table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners. Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosos. Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro. Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.