Production Planner

MorePeople; Bilsthorpe CP; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

MorePeople is partnering with a fresh produce business to hire a Factory Planner. You will help keep production running efficiently, ensure stock is correctly positioned, and support daily plan delivery.

Reporting to the Planning Manager, the role blends production planning, stock control, reporting and cross‑department collaboration across production, technical and farming teams. You’ll focus on cost, waste and performance while pursuing continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience with planning in food manufacturing or fresh produce environments.
• Strong numerical ability and data-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication across departments.
• Cost-conscious approach with waste reduction focus.
• Ability to adapt to new systems and technologies, including BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Produce daily and four-week production plans, with weekend coverage when needed.
• Monitor EDI order flows and ensure accurate, efficient processing.
• Maintain optimal stock levels with cross‑functional coordination with technical, farming and operations teams.
• Track production performance and KPIs, and identify efficiency improvements.
• Manage packaging, consumables, pallets and other materials, including stock checks and supplier portals.
• Generate cost, stock and performance reports to support decision-making.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve processes.
• Provide cover for Planning Manager and support cross-department projects.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Cost awareness

Adaptability

Tools

EDI

Retail systems

Excel

Production planning systems

Job description

I am working with an established fresh produce business looking for a Factory Planner to play a key role in keeping production running efficiently, ensuring stock is in the right place at the right time and helping the business deliver against its daily plans.

Reporting to the Planning Manager, this is a varied role combining production planning, stock management, reporting and cross-departmental coordination. You'll work closely with teams across production, technical and farming, making sure plans reflect the realities of a fast-moving operation while keeping a close eye on costs, waste and performance.

This would suit someone who enjoys working with data, solving problems and challenging the status quo. There is also scope to get involved in continuous improvement projects, embrace new technologies and help improve how the planning function operates.

What will you be doing?

• Production planning: Producing daily and evening production plans, updating the four-week plan and providing weekend cover when required.

• Order management: Monitoring EDI order flows, resolving system issues and ensuring orders are processed accurately and efficiently.

• Stock control: Working with technical, operational and farming teams to maintain the right stock levels, carrying out physical stock checks and investigating stock losses.

• Performance monitoring: Tracking pack-out and production performance throughout the day, reporting against KPIs and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.

• Materials management: Managing packaging, consumables, PPE, pallets and trays, including ordering stock, expediting deliveries and maintaining supplier portals.

• Reporting and analysis: Producing reports on costings, stock usage and operational performance to support effective decision-making.

• Continuous improvement: Challenging performance, reducing waste and identifying ways to improve planning processes and control costs.

• Team support: Providing cover for the Planning Manager, maintaining strong communication across departments and supporting additional projects.

What are we looking for?

You'll ideally have experience in a planning role within food manufacturing, fresh produce or a similar fast-paced environment. You'll be organised, commercially minded and comfortable balancing competing priorities while keeping accuracy at the forefront.

You'll also bring:

• Experience with production planning and stock management systems.

• Familiarity with EDI, retail systems and order processing.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, with strong numerical ability.

• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to work with teams across the business.

• A cost-conscious approach, with an interest in reducing waste and improving performance.

• The ability to adapt to new systems and technologies, including AI tools and Business Intelligence systems.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a fresh produce business where planning has a direct impact on operational performance. You'll have visibility across the operation, work closely with key departments and play an active part in improving efficiency, managing costs and supporting the wider business.