Main Duties and Responsibilities Responsible for preparing, presenting, and distributing production plans, and for coordinating and communicating any changes to ensure alignment across all departments. Develop and maintain comprehensive production plans for all mixes, inclusions, moulding, and finished products, considering demand forecasts, raw material availability, processing capacity, maintenance schedules, and lead times. Chair and participate in weekly planning meetings with Production, Procurement, Stores, Sales, and other key departments to ensure cross-functional coordination. Attend and contribute to daily DWOR meetings to support short-term planning and issue resolution. Implement and effectively utilise the MRP module within SAP to improve planning accuracy and efficiency. Use the ERP systems in place to manage day-to-day production planning activities. Create and input daily production orders for all departments in a timely and accurate manner. Analyse production data to identify opportunities for improving efficiency, yield, and cost control. Collaborate with Procurement, Sales, Operations, and Quality teams to ensure smooth production flow and alignment with business objectives. Develop and maintain production planning sheets in line with current factory standards across all departments. Manage and oversee purchase orders for milk and cream, ensuring timely placement and accuracy. Monitor inventory levels of milk and cream to maintain balance between supply and demand while minimising waste and carrying costs. Track production progress daily and proactively address any issues that may impact delivery schedules or product quality. Conduct performance analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of production plans and identify continuous improvement opportunities. Provide planning insights and recommendations to enhance production processes and systems. Leverage production planning expertise to optimise scheduling, anticipate demand fluctuations, and mitigate potential risks. Ensure clear and comprehensive process notes are documented for effective handover and business continuity during periods of absence or holidays. Provide cover for the Procurement function during periods of absence or annual leave. Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in production planning and implement improvements where applicable. Promote and maintain high standards of Health & Safety, ensuring all planning activities comply with company policies and legal requirements.
Person Specification Acts as a champion of Mackie’s, supporting the aims, values, and strategic direction of the business. Strategic thinker and confident decision-maker, balancing short-term operational needs with long-term business objectives. Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing demands. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively across departments. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, using data and logical reasoning to identify issues and drive improvements. Proven team-working ability, fostering a cooperative environment and building positive relationships with colleagues across the business. Self-motivated with the ability to motivate others. Committed to accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement in all planning processes. Leads by example, upholding high standards of behaviour, safety, and performance.
Experience and Qualifications Proven experience in a production planning or scheduling role within a manufacturing or food production environment. Strong understanding of supply chain processes, material planning, and inventory management. Familiarity with Key Performance Indicators and performance management. Good technical and IT skills, with experience in integrated operating systems like SAP.