Production Planner

The Sterling Choice; Leicester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company based in Leicester seeks a Production Shift Planner to manage and optimize production schedules in a high-volume environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in fast-paced FMCG settings, strong Excel skills, and the ability to work independently. This role offers a competitive salary of £38,000, with shifts from Wednesday to Saturday, providing opportunities for growth and a dynamic work atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Experience planning in fast-paced manufacturing/FMCG/food environments.
• 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 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 fast-paced manufacturing

Strong Excel capability

Clear communicator

Organised

Resilient

Solution-focused

Job description

This range is provided by The Sterling Choice. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from The Sterling Choice

Production Shift Planner

Leicestershire | £38,000 | Wed–Sat (4 on / 3 off)

If you’re a Production / Shift Planner who thrives in pace, pressure, and complexity, this role will challenge you — and reward you.

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

The business is PE-backed, heavily invested, and scaling fast — offering genuine opportunity, progression, and exposure.

Why this role?

• PE-backed business with continued investment in people, systems, and infrastructure
• High-impact role with real ownership
• Fast-paced environment where strong planners stand out quickly

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)
• Clear communicator, organised, resilient, and solution-focused

This is not a SAP-heavy role. It’s about thinking clearly, planning logically, and reacting fast.

Working pattern & package

• Shifts: Wednesday – Saturday (4 on / 3 off)
• Rotating hours:
• Week 1: 7am – 5pm
• Week 2: 10am – 8pm

If you’re looking for pace, pressure, progression, and ownership, apply now.

If your background is slower-paced or heavily system-led, this role won’t be the right fit — but for the right planner, it’s a standout opportunity.

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Product Management, Strategy/Planning, and Manufacturing
• Dairy Product Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Baked Goods Manufacturing

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