Production Planner

Job Role: Production Planner Salary: £26,000 - £27,0000 Location: Bilston, Wolverhampton Type: Full Time / Permanent Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 5pm 42 hours. 30-minute unpaid break Overview: Everest People Solutions is recruiting for a Production Planner for a large food processor based in Wolverhampton. The Production Planner will be responsible for ensuring that products are produced on time and at the lowest cost by optimising the use of staff and materials. The Production Planner will be involved in overseeing the production and distribution process to ensure smooth operations, with full ownership and development of the Production Scheduling System in a busy production environment. Key responsibilities include creating and maintaining daily planning schedules, coordinating with the production team to execute daily plans, and providing clear, regularly monitored production quantities. The Production Planner will also communicate progress with internal and external customers, analyse customer orders, and assess raw material availability to ensure orders can be fulfilled on time. Key Duties & Responsibilities for the Production Planner: * Manage and maintain the daily scheduling system to support Production Managers in meeting operational goals. * Review customer orders and accounts to ensure accurate and timely submission of financial data. * Approve materials, costs, equipment, and workforce needs for the manufacturing process. * Contribute to the development of operating plans and participate in monthly forecasting. * Communicate and explain manufacturing performance to stakeholders, providing insights on operational outcomes. * Extract, organise, analyse, and report data in a useful format to support informed business decisions. * Develop technical and communication skills through self-study and training opportunities. * Receive customer orders promptly, assess production capacity, and relay order fulfilment requirements to the production team. * Generate and produce detailed production plans to ensure alignment with operational capabilities. * Communicate with customers, particularly in relation to BBQ orders (e.g., Faccenda), ensuring accurate order fulfilment and providing end-of-day figures. * Collect and evaluate data on production performance and team efficiency. * Prepare production reports for upper management, offering suggestions to improve overall efficiency. * Perform any other reasonable duties as required by management. Requirements for the Production Planner: * 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications. * At least 3 years of experience in Production Planning within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. * Strong organisational, planning, and administrative skills with a proven ability to prioritise tasks. * Determined and results-driven, with a focus on seeing tasks through to completion. * Excellent data analysis and evaluation skills, with the ability to identify problems and offer recommendations. * Advanced Excel skills, capable of collating and presenting data effectively. * General knowledge of costing, budgeting, and financial processes, including basic accounting principles. * Able to work independently, taking initiative to manage tasks and projects. * Demonstrated ability to support and foster teamwork in collaborative projects. * Strong analytical skills with a logical approach to problem-solving, timeliness, and accuracy. * Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and knowledgeable in general systems. * Excellent time management and the ability to handle multiple objectives efficiently. * Effective communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills. * High proficiency in using PC spreadsheets and data tools. * Professional attitude with a flexible approach to work, including willingness to work overtime when needed