Production Planner

D R Newitt & Associates; Little Ellingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK seeks a Production Planner for a blue-chip food manufacturer in Little Ellingham. This full-time, permanent role involves ensuring the efficient flow of materials and finished goods. The ideal candidate should have experience in production planning, particularly in food manufacturing, and exceptional analytical and communication skills. You’ll work in a dynamic environment, managing production schedules while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. A competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Company pension

Life insurance

On-site parking

Qualifications

• Experience in production planning within food manufacturing.
• Confident in high-speed, high-change settings.
• Ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and adjust production schedules.
• Communicate schedule changes to stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on plan adherence and production performance.

Skills

Production Planning experience

Understanding of short shelf-life food environments

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Organisational skills

Proficient in MRP/ERP platforms

Strong communication skills

Tools

Excel

Job description

Production Planner - 4 on 4 off (Days 6am-6pm)

Blue-Chip Food Manufacturer

Location: Norfolk

Salary: £35,000 - £38,000

About the Company

Our client is a highly respected, blue-chip food manufacturer operating within a complex and fast-moving food category. With a strong focus on quality, service, and innovation, they supply major UK retailers and are recognised for their market‑leading standards and performance.

The Role

As a Production Planner working a 4 on 4 off day shift (6am-6pm), you will play a key role in ensuring production schedules are optimised, accurate, and aligned with customer demand. Operating within a high‑volume, short‑shelf‑life environment, you will support the smooth and efficient flow of materials and finished goods across the site.

This role requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions in a fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and adjust daily and weekly production schedules in line with customer orders, forecasts, and stock requirements.
• Work closely with Operations, Planning, Procurement, Technical, and Warehouse teams to ensure plans are achievable and efficiently resourced.
• Manage material availability, including raw materials and packaging, ensuring production is not disrupted.
• Analyse sales data, forecast changes, and capacity constraints to prevent shortages or overproduction.
• Monitor and report on plan adherence, production performance, and waste reduction opportunities.
• Communicate schedule changes promptly to all relevant stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within planning and wider supply chain functions.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and operational standards at all times.

Key Skills & Experience

• Experience in Production Planning, Supply Planning, or Scheduling within food manufacturing (essential).
• Strong understanding of short shelf‑life or complex food environments.
• Confident working in a high‑speed, high‑change setting with multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and organisational skills.
• Proficient in planning systems, MRP/ERP platforms, and Excel.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across departments.
• Ability to make quick decisions and manage priorities under pressure.

What's on Offer

• Industry‑leading blue‑chip environment with excellent development opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A role that offers autonomy, ownership, and the chance to make a real impact within a fast‑moving operation.

Job Types

Full‑time, Permanent

Pay

£35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Company pension
• Life insurance
• On‑site parking