Production Planner

Kerry; Ossett; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy producer in Ossett is seeking a Production Planner to optimize stock levels and manage production schedules. The role combines office-based planning with interactions on the production floor, requiring strong skills in Excel and experience with SAP. Ideal candidates will hold relevant qualifications and have previous experience in manufacturing or supply chain environments. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and career progression opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for skill development

Qualifications

• Previous experience in supply chain, manufacturing, or production.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and perform effectively under pressure.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support Materials team for smooth supply chain operations.
• Manage purchase orders and administer product quantities.
• Collaborate with suppliers and maintain production schedules.

Skills

Computer literacy

Numeracy skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma or higher qualification in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field

Tools

Excel

SAP

Job description

About the role

We are recruiting a Production Planner for our plant in Ossett, a key facility specializing in butter and cream production within Kerry’s extensive dairy portfolio. This newly created role is designed to support continual production and strengthen our planning team. As part of a planning team, you’ll work closely with internal teams, suppliers and transport partners to manage materials, optimize stock levels, and translate forecasts and global demand into actionable production schedules—ensuring the factory runs smoothly and meets agreed targets. While you’ll spend most of your time in the office, you’ll also regularly visit the warehouse and production floor. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety and can solve problems quickly in a busy, supportive environment where no two days are the same.

This is a full-time (Monday – Friday, 8.30 –16.30), permanent, onsite role.

Key responsibilities

• Provide support to the Materials team and ensure smooth supply chain operations.
• Manage purchase orders (POs) for specific materials and consumables, including invoice reconciliation.
• Take ownership of administering product quantities required and purchased from global suppliers, in line with Kerry Group purchasing policies.
• Accurately capture and maintain order information in SAP, from order creation through to invoicing.
• Collaborate daily with suppliers, operations, production teams, warehousing, and Quality to achieve common production goals.
• Coordinate with suppliers and transport companies to ensure timely deliveries.
• Monitor and manage stock levels to maintain lean working capital.
• Support regional and global procurement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain production schedules that align with business forecasts and operational targets, adapting plans as needed to keep manufacturing on track.

Qualifications and skills

• A diploma or higher qualification in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field is desirable.
• Previous experience working in a supply chain, manufacturing, or production.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Excel and ideally experience with SAP.
• Solid numeracy skills, with the ability to accurately record, interpret, and analyse data.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, for engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Why join us?

• Be part of a supportive planning team in a dynamic manufacturing environment, where collaboration and knowledge‑sharing are valued.
• Enjoy a varied role that combines office‑based planning with regular interaction on the production floor and in the warehouse, giving you a broad view of operations.
• Work for a respected organization with a strong reputation in the food industry, offering exposure to live manufacturing and multi‑stakeholder engagement.
• Benefit from competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for skill development and career progression within Kerry.

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm‑to‑fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high‑quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world‑class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

Our Agribusiness division plays a vital role in supporting Ireland’s farming community. We provide farmers with essential products and services, including animal feed, fertilisers, crop protection, and farm supplies, ensuring sustainable and efficient farm operations. Through expert advice and innovative solutions, we help our 2,800 milk suppliers optimise productivity while maintaining the highest standards of animal health and environmental care. This partnership approach strengthens our farm‑to‑fork model and reinforces our commitment to sustainability and long‑term growth for Irish agriculture.

Our Safety purpose

“we work together in a caring culture where everybody goes home safe every day”. We are committed to providing a safe working environment and ensuring that all safety protocols are strictly followed. Join us in creating a workplace where safety is everyone's responsibility.