Production & Material Scheduler

Unilever; Wirral; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A global FMCG client is seeking an interim Production & Material Scheduler in Wirral. The role involves managing production schedules and materials, requiring FMCG experience, SAP knowledge, and strong analytical skills. This full-time position offers competitive pay, a flexible working model, and numerous onsite perks in a modern environment. Ideal candidates will excel in communication and independent work, contributing to a dynamic team.

Benefits

Discounted staff shop products

Free tea, coffee & ice cream

Free onsite parking

Site clubs available

Catering outlets onsite

Qualifications

• Experience within FMCG manufacturing environment is required.
• Experience as a production scheduler within manufacturing is preferred.
• Ability to understand trade-offs when providing solutions is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Manage the production schedule to meet customer requirements.
• Maintain line capacity to ensure achievable production plans.
• Manage material ordering and forecasting using Unilever tools.

Skills

Pro-active and analytical

Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems

Intermediate Excel skills

Education

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

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Production & Material Scheduler, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast‑paced FMCG environment.

The position is based in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, easily accessible by train and car. This is a full‑time temporary role to run until Mid‑November 2026, to start ASAP or before 19th January 2026, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (4 days working on site, 1 day WFH, need to be flexible on day). Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £38,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

Key Accountabilities

• 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/Ultralogistics.
• Execution of innovation projects in line with customer requirements, including interaction with local/global project teams, minimizing obsolete materials and ensuring planning readiness.
• Carry out investigations and root cause analysis using continuous improvement tools.
• Crisis management & escalation of supply problems to the relevant teams.

Key Requirements

• 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 use of MRP/ERP systems (preferably SAP or any other close 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.

Additional Information

Port Sunlight working environment:

• Staff shop discounted products
• Free tea, coffee & ice cream
• Working in carefully restored listed building, in modern and bright working environment
• Free parking onsite
• 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester
• 20‑minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30‑minutes drive from Chester
• Disabled parking
• In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village
• There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.
• The site has three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.
• In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold‑water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.