Operations Execution Planner

Nestlé; Sudbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A global petcare company is seeking an Execution Planner to join its Supply Chain Team in Sudbury. The role involves managing production planning, optimizing resource allocation, and spearheading continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should possess strong supply chain experience, preferably in FMCG, and have the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. Additional skills in SAP and project management are valued. This role offers a competitive salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Car allowance

Potential bonus

Generous pension scheme

Flexible holiday days

Qualifications

• Strong background in Supply Chain or Operations.
• Experience in FMCG or factory environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Create effective production plans in line with market demand.
• Monitor resources to optimize production efficiency.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Supply Chain/Operations experience

Planning and logistics

Stakeholder management

Project tracking and identifying risks

Ability to work across teams

Education

Graduate caliber or equivalent

Tools

SAP (R/3) APO

Microsoft Power BI

Job description

Business Area: Nestle Purina

Job Title: Execution Planner

Location: Sudbury, Suffolk

Salary: Circa £42,000 per annum depending on experience + car allowance + potential bonus + generous pension scheme + 12 flexible days on top of 25-day holiday entitlement + 2 paid volunteering days + other fantastic benefits!

Championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our business.

Position Summary

Are you looking to widen your supply chain experience with a respected global company in a key role with real responsibility and an opportunity to develop your leadership skills?

We’re looking for an Execution Planner to join our Supply Chain Team at our Sudbury , Purina Petcare site. We are passionate about quality and safety and you would share these values and be ready to assume immediate responsibility as your career develops within the UK and potentially overseas.

At Nestlé Purina, we’re on a mission to enrich the lives of pets, the people who love them, and the planet we share. Join us, and you’ll discover a world where your skills, knowledge, and passion can flourish. As part of our supportive and dynamic environment, you’ll be encouraged to challenge norms, experiment with new ideas, and drive meaningful change. At Purina, you’re not just part of a team; you’re part of a movement to create a better world for pets and people alike.

In our Sudbury factory, the circa 200 strong workforce produce some of the UK’s most popular brands including Go-Cat, Bakers, Purina ONE, BETA and Pro Plan providing consumers with a product to meet their every need. And this ancient, bustling market town in the heart of the Stour valley is surrounded by countryside of outstanding natural beauty making Sudbury an ideal place for animal lovers. Plus, there’s the added advantage of London being a 45 minute train ride away from nearby Colchester.

Impact

The Execution Planner is responsible for a team of direct reports, reporting to the Operations Planning Manager.

• Working with the Operations planner and the production team to create the most effective production plans in line with market demand considering plant efficiencies and customer service (SAP, Excel, DMO).
• Monitor and allocate resources, including manpower, to optimize production efficiency to support a 24/7 operation.
• Identify and address any resource shortages or bottlenecks that may impact production (packaging or raw materials availability etc).
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production processes and reduce waste.
• Ensure smooth operations by effective communication and close collaboration with all partners at Factory, EOP, Market, Procurement.
• To be an active participant in the Planning Team, leading conversations with various stakeholders providing recommendations, information and guiding indicators on issues such as plant capacity and utilisation.
• As a people manager a wonderful part of the role will include Development of careers, succession plans, development and coaching of DPS Planning team.

What will make you successful?

As the successful candidate, you will ideally be of graduate caliber (or equivalent) and have previous experience within Supply Chain. If you come from a forecasting or planning background, this would be an added advantage.

You will have the ability to plan ahead and meet deadlines and be able to achieve results and make an impact whilst building strong relationships with key stakeholders.

• Proven track record in Supply Chain/Operations, ideally in FMCG or Factory environment ideally planning and work logistics.
• Evidence of working with multiple Stakeholders varying in seniority and working across the globe.
• Showing evidence of project tracking, deadlines are adhered to and identifying risks and opportunities to projects.
• Evidence of recognizing and delivering business priorities and team leadership.
• The ability to work across teams, collaborate, negotiate and focus on the end goals to deliver the business demands.
• Good knowledge of SAP (R/3) APO. – Essential
• Microsoft Power BI would be ideal but not essential.

What you need to know

What can we offer in return? Great benefits you’d expect from a business the size of Nestlé – in the shape of a competitive salary and benefits package, bonus scheme, flexible working scheme, 25 days holiday plus statutory holidays plus flex leave, pension scheme and a real focus on personal development and growth.

The closing date for this role is 15 December 2025

We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.

At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect. When we embrace diversity and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our business. People of all gender identities, ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBT+ community are strongly encouraged to apply. If there is anything we can do to accommodate you to participate fully in the application process, please let us know. We take pride in championing inclusion and diversity, our people make up a number of Colleague Networks who represent different experiences and communities who hold us accountable in creating a sense of belonging for all, and our values create the conditions for us to respect the unique contribution you bring. Find out more about our Colleague Networks here: Diversity, equity and inclusion | Nestlé (nestle.co.uk)

We are committed to equal opportunity for all and we may collect relevant data for monitoring purposes during our candidate registration process. Be yourself, everyone else is taken!