Shift Planner

Job Overview

The Shift Planner at Westfalia Fruit plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of ripening and production schedules to meet customer demands on time. This position collaborates closely with Senior Planners and teams in Operations, Logistics, and Procurement, coordinating stock levels, ripening timelines, production necessities, and inbound transport to maintain operational flow and service quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate effectively with Operations, Demand & Supply, Logistics, Sourcing, Quality, and Commercial departments to support planning operations.
• Develop strong interdepartmental relationships to facilitate alignment and swift issue resolution.
• Contribute positively to team culture through proactive participation in meetings, reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure that plans are safe, feasible considering labor capacity, site constraints, and operational limitations, escalating any possible safety risks.
• Maintain compliance with site health and safety guidelines through effective coordination and communication.
• Support product quality by maintaining accurate planning and stock data, ensuring traceability and proper stock rotation.
• Work closely with Quality and Operations teams to mitigate quality risks related to planning decisions.
• Optimize use of resources such as ripening rooms, labor, and transportation to reduce waste and unnecessary expenses.
• Adhere to stock policies and inventory objectives while identifying opportunities to improve planning and logistics processes.
• Implement daily and weekly ripening and production plans aligned with customer requirements and operational needs.
• Coordinate inbound raw material deliveries to match operational schedules and book necessary transport for both inbound and outbound logistics.
• Maintain accurate data in planning systems, oversee stock reconciliation efforts, and communicate any changes or risks to relevant stakeholders promptly.
• Assist in meeting customer service and on-time in full (OTIF) performance goals and provide input during daily operational reviews and Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) processes.

Qualifications and Skills

• Previous experience in Planning, Logistics, Supply Chain, or FMCG operational roles.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to manage relationships with various stakeholders.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP or similar planning software and competent in Microsoft Excel.
• Detail-oriented with effective problem-solving capabilities.
• Preferred: experience in fresh produce, food manufacturing, or temperature-controlled logistics.
• Desirable skills include transport booking/logistics coordination, stock control knowledge, and understanding of S&OE and operational planning.

Benefits

• Annual leave of 20 days
• Complimentary on-site parking
• Company pension scheme
• Medicash healthcare plan
• Life insurance coverage

Compensation

The role offers a salary of 35,000 per annum.

Additional Information

This role does not specify a closing date and applications will be reviewed continuously until the position is filled. Westfalia Fruit is an equal opportunity employer welcoming candidates regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or neurodiversity.