Production Planner

The Sterling Choice; England; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic manufacturing company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Production Shift Planner to create and manage production plans in a fast-paced environment. The role involves coordinating materials and resources, handling live production changes, and problem-solving under pressure. Candidates must have strong Excel capabilities and experience in FMCG or food manufacturing. The position offers a fixed salary of £38,000 along with benefits including pension and holiday allowance.

Benefits

Pension

26.5 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)

Health cash plan

Qualifications

• Experience planning in a fast-paced manufacturing/FMCG/food environment.
• Confidence planning independently on shift.
• Strong Excel capability (tested during interview).

Responsibilities

• Creating and owning accurate production plans to maximise service and control cost.
• Planning materials, labour and lines alongside Production, Hygiene and Engineering.
• Managing customer orders and updating plans in real time.
• Monitoring live production vs plan and reacting quickly to change.
• Coordinating transport with hauliers to ensure cost-effective scheduling.
• Purchasing key raw materials and managing supplier communication.
• Escalating operational issues when required.
• Supporting the development of robust planning processes for future growth.

Skills

Planning in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Strong Excel capability

Quick decision-making under pressure

Clear communication

Organisational skills

Resilience

Job description

Overview

Production Shift Planner role within high-volume short shelf-life manufacturing environment. You will sit at the heart of the operation, owning the plan, managing constant change and keeping production flowing when things don’t go to plan.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating and owning accurate production plans to maximise service and control cost
• Planning materials, labour and lines alongside Production, Hygiene and Engineering
• Managing customer orders and updating plans in real time
• Monitoring live production vs plan and reacting quickly to change
• Coordinating transport with hauliers to ensure cost‑effective scheduling
• Purchasing key raw materials and managing supplier communication
• Escalating operational issues when required
• Supporting the development of robust planning processes for future growth

What they’re looking for

• Experience planning in a fast‑paced manufacturing / FMCG / food environment
• Confidence planning independently on shift
• Strong Excel capability (tested during interview)
• Comfortable making decisions quickly under pressure
• Clear communicator, organised, resilient and solution‑focused

Working pattern & package

Shifts: Wednesday – Saturday (4 on / 3 off)

Rotating hours: Week 1 7am – 5pm, Week 2 10am – 8pm

Salary: £38,000 (fixed)

Benefits: Pension, 26.5 days holiday (incl. bank holidays), health cash plan