Materials Planner in Saffron Walden

Energy Jobline ZR; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Jobline ZR is seeking a meticulous Production Planner to translate forecasts into feasible production schedules across one or more lines in a food manufacturing plant. You will collaborate with Operations to ensure plans are executed and deadlines met.

You will analyse production output, waste, and KPIs, and adjust plans to balance capacity, inventory, and customer requirements, while maintaining accuracy and strong Excel-based reporting.

Qualifications

• High accuracy with strong planning and admin skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and numerical analysis.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate forecasts and create production plans.
• Implement changes to plans to meet demand and deadlines.
• Work with Operations to execute plans and resolve issues.
• Coordinate workflow across processes and products.
• Determine workforce, equipment and material needs.
• Plan and prioritise operations to minimise delays.
• Schedule use of ingredients and materials for efficiency.
• Monitor supply flow and identify shortages or bottlenecks.
• Develop and communicate the weekly production plan.
• Ensure inventory covers demand and capacity.

Skills

Planning & organisational skills

Analytical & numerical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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.