Manpower are currently seeking an interim Supply Planner, to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a full-time temporary role to run for 6 months, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £37,500 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

The Supply Planner is to deliver customer service through creation and completion of the supply plan, short term line scheduling and raw/pack material call off, in the most efficient way. The purpose of the Supply Planner role is to deliver a high level of customer service, whilst balancing inventory and optimising costs across the end-to-end supply chain network.

Key accountabilities

The Supply Planner will support the SC Planning Leader and SC Planning Manager to execute, improve and co-ordinate various specific Planning tasks across all Port Sunlight Home Care factories to ensure Service Levels are met. Includes a UL Sulphonation Plant, Distribution Centre, and a third-party bottle supplier supplying the UK HPC Factories.

Key aspects of the role include, but not limited to:

• Production Scheduling - Short-term detailed line scheduling and creation of weekly production plans. Creation of a medium-term master production schedule for a group of packing lines.
• Material Planning - Responsible for forecasting and calling-off raw and packaging materials in line with production plans and managing material flows into the factory while managing overall stock levels.
• Innovation Planning - Responsible for planning the flow of new products and materials into the sourcing units, and the phasing out of de-listed products and materials. Management of new projects/innovations including obsolescence and write-offs.
• Customer Service and Inventory Management - Report and forecasting of supply chain service metric data & project/WCM support.

Key responsibilities:

• Co-ordinate supply activities within the SU Planning team.
• Understand & use of SAP APO in support of planning activities
• Understand & use of SAP S1P for managing all supply planning transactions
• Executing the agreed production plans and line schedules for the Sourcing Unit
• Liaise with stakeholders for short-medium term planning issues
• Develop effective run strategies that balance customer service, inventory and cost
• Adapting to plan changes e.g. incremental volume opportunities from MSO or category planners when they arise
• Undertake Kaizen activities to support improvements in customer service, output reliability and stock reduction
• Support plans (and managing downtime) for innovation change, including main plant trials
• Assist coordination of obsolete provisions with category planning managers
• Assist Planning team in the management of obsoletes and write-offs.

Safety

• Ensure company safety policy, rules, and procedures are understood and always followed, encouraging everyone to behave safely and challenging unsafe behaviour
• Actively contribute to safe working environment and culture by identifying and reporting health or safety hazards and dangerous situations involving UL personnel, site contractors, third parties, and visitors.

Quality

• Take immediate actions to rectify supply impact of quality issues as required
• Support Quality team with affected stock identification, status, and retrieval as required.

Customer Service - The impact of the Supply Planner's decisions will be felt quickly; therefore, an immediate response is required to address any issues which may arise.

The Supply Planner will need to

• Anticipate & react quickly to problems to avoid impact to customer service
• Escalate issues in a timely manner, where needed
• Cost - Identify improvements in materials & supply planning to reduce Cost, Waste and Energy
• Problem Solving - A proactive response to problem solving is essential to avoid service losses & to ensure general smooth running of the operation
• Change - The Supply Planner will need a proactive and collaborative attitude to change, including short notice planning changes to meet customer requests.
• Identify improvement opportunities that benefit the business & reduce costs
• Drive best practices in safety, quality & Customer Service by implementing efficient processes & collaborating with colleagues
• Participate in change initiatives, such as new installations and trials. Track successes & failures where needed to provide feedback on successes & challenges. Support team members to ensuring smooth ramp-up & procedural changes for all.

Essential skills:

• GCSEs A-C or equivalent in Maths, English and Science
• Strong planning and operational skills, or a strong attitude to planning (foresight, accuracy, attention for detail)
• Financial skills
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Ability to structure complex subjects and are interested in analysing interdependencies.
• Strong analytical, prioritisation and organisation skills, managing late plan changes within tight timescales
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, stakeholder management.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills