Production Planner

We are recruiting for an organised and proactive Production Planner to join the operations team of our client, who are a leading fresh produce business, on a permanent basis.

This role plays a key part in coordinating production, transport, and supply activities to ensure product is delivered efficiently, on time, and to customer expectations. The position requires close collaboration with farms, third-party transport providers, and internal operational teams, particularly during peak harvest periods. Coordinates manufacturing workflows by creating daily schedules, managing materials inventory, and allocating resources (labour and equipment) to meet demand efficiently.

Duties and responsibilities

Resource Planning - Estimate and secure necessary raw materials, equipment, and labour, coordinating with procurement and warehouse teams.

Workflow Optimisation - Analyse and improve production processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to reduce costs and enhance efficiencies.

Analyse data to predict future material and production needs.

Develop and manage daily and weekly production plans aligned to customer demand and harvest availability.

Plan and coordinate transport with third-party hauliers for

• Raw material and packaging deliveries
• Despatch of finished product
• Inter-site and plant deliveries

Liaise directly with the farm and growers to coordinate picking activity and align harvest schedules with packhouse production plans

Coordination & Communication - Collaborate with management, commercial, quality control, and production staff, informing teams of schedule changes and production status.

Monitor production progress and adjust plans to minimise downtime, waste, and delays

System Management

Utilise software to manage data, track inventory, and maintain capacity information.

Work closely with all operations to ensure smooth day-to-day execution

Participate in site audits and support compliance with food safety, quality, and workplace health & safety standards

Analyse data and prepare reports on production performance, variances, and KPIs

Provide hands-on operational support when required to assist the broader team during peak periods or unexpected disruptions