Lead Production Planner

Opportunity Review: Lead Planner at Bakkavor Spalding

Are you a highly motivated and analytical professional looking to lead and innovate within a dynamic, fast-paced production planning environment? Bakkavor, a market leader in the UK fresh prepared food industry, is seeking a Lead Planner for their Spalding site. This permanent, site-based role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive rewards package, presenting a significant opportunity for career growth.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Leadership and Impact: This role is pivotal in ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of products to major grocery retailers. You will have the direct responsibility of leading production planning across multiple facilities, driving efficiency, minimizing waste, and enhancing departmental performance.
• Continuous Improvement Focus: The position emphasizes reviewing and improving systems and processes. If you are passionate about driving change and implementing best practices, this role offers a platform to make a tangible difference and advance your skills in process optimization.
• Career Progression: Bakkavor is committed to employee development, offering excellent career progression prospects across the wider group. This role provides a strong foundation for future leadership opportunities within the organization.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Beyond a competitive salary, Bakkavor offers a highly attractive rewards package including life assurance, a stakeholder pension scheme, extensive discount platforms, personal accident insurance, and various voluntary benefits. After five years of service, you'll also benefit from private medical insurance.
• Dynamic Work Environment: The description highlights a 24/7 operation that thrives on challenge and change. This environment is ideal for individuals who are adaptable, resilient, and motivated by a fast-paced, engaging setting where no two days are the same.
• Valued Contribution: You'll be joining a team that values hard work, passion, and innovation. Bakkavor's success is built on its people, and this role offers the chance to contribute to a well-established and respected brand.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Analytical and Forecasting Skills: The role requires the ability to produce statistical sales forecasts, analyze historical data, and incorporate complex variables like launches, promotions, and product changes. Strong quantitative skills and a meticulous approach are essential.
• System Development and Improvement: You will be expected to develop, maintain, and enhance planning systems. A strong command of IT systems, including Excel, and an ability to identify and implement improvements are critical.
• Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal production departments and external customers (retailers) is a key accountability. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are paramount for success.
• Resilience in a High-Pressure Environment: The fast-paced nature of the food manufacturing industry means this role operates under pressure. Candidates should be self-motivated, capable of working on their own initiative, and able to manage competing demands effectively.
• Site-Based Operations: This is a site-based role in Spalding, requiring a commitment to being present in the operational environment.

This Lead Planner position at Bakkavor Spalding represents an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to take on a leadership role, drive significant improvements, and advance their career within a leading food manufacturing company. If you possess strong analytical abilities, a passion for process improvement, and thrive in a challenging yet rewarding environment, this role is well worth exploring.