Materials Planner

ADM; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM in the United Kingdom is recruiting a Production Planner to translate forecasts into feasible schedules across multiple product lines. You will collaborate with Operations to ensure plans are executed and capacity is optimised.

Responsibilities include coordinating materials, equipment and manpower, monitoring KPIs, and communicating weekly production plans to Operations teams. The role demands strong numerical skills, accuracy, and effective communication.

Qualifications

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail with strong planning and administrative skills.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; organisational and problem-solving prowess.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate customer forecasts and orders to create suitable production plans.
• Implement changes to production plans to meet demand fluctuations and deadlines.
• Work with Operations teams to ensure production plans are executed and issues resolved promptly.
• Coordinate workflow across processes and products; allocate materials, equipment and manpower.
• Determine manpower, equipment and raw material requirements to meet production demands.
• Plan and prioritise operations to achieve performance and reduce delays.
• Schedule usage of ingredients and materials for efficient production.
• Monitor material supply flow and identify shortages or bottlenecks.
• Develop and communicate weekly production plans to relevant Operations teams.
• Ensure sufficient inventory cover to meet customer demand and coordinate product line workflows.

Skills

Planning

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Purpose

• Evaluate customer forecasts and sales orders to create suitable production plans.


• Implement changes to production plans as required to ensure fluctuations in demand are met and customer deadlines are achieved.

Main Responsibilities

• Work closely with Operations teams to ensure production plans are executed effectively and production issues are resolved in a timely manner.


• Coordinate workflow across processes and products, ensuring the appropriate allocation of materials, equipment, and manpower.


• Determine manpower, equipment, and raw material requirements to meet production demands.


• Plan and prioritize operations to achieve optimal performance and minimize delays.


• Schedule the use of ingredients and materials to ensure efficient and uninterrupted production.


• Monitor material supply flow and identify any shortages or bottlenecks that may impact production.


• Develop and communicate the weekly production plan to all relevant Operations teams.


• Ensure sufficient inventory cover is maintained to meet customer demand requirements.


• Coordinate workflow for one or multiple product lines to support efficient production operations.


• Collect and analyse production output information, including finished goods volumes, waste levels, and other key performance metrics.

Skills & Abilities

Required

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, supported by strong planning, organisational, and administrative skills.


• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.


• Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

• Proven experience as a Production Planner or Production Scheduler within a food manufacturing environment.