Details
1115141
Harper Adams University (Shropshire)
01/09/2026
Ongoing
48 hours per week
Smart Casual
Pay
£28,000
£33,000
Description
Role
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
Skills and experience
- Experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain coordination (food manufacturing or fresh produce highly regarded)
- Strong understanding of transport planning and working with third-party hauliers
- Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel
- Flexible, team-oriented, and willing to support operations when needed
- Able to work effectively in a fast-paced, seasonal environment
- Willingness to participate in an on-call roster to support production and transport activities outside standard hours
- Availability to work occasional weekends, particularly during peak harvest and high-demand periods
- Flexibility to adjust working hours during harvest to align with farm picking schedules, production requirements, and customer delivery timelines
Location
Stafford
Benefits
- A collaborative, hands-on team culture
- Exposure across production, transport, and grower operations
- Salary: £28,000 - £33,000 DOE