We're looking for a dynamic, hands-on Production Planner & Supply Chain Manager for one of our manufacturing clients based in the Birmingham area. This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of a vital function, building it from the ground up and shaping its core foundations. Benefits Permanent Position On site parking Career progression Monday to Friday Youll be key in developing and maintaining the master production schedule, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and adapting quickly to changes in real-time. Your role will cover everything from stock control and supply chain operations to leading a small team. Youll be responsible for laying the groundwork that will drive the operational efficiency and help the client meet evolving customer needs. Key Responsibilities: Master Production Schedule: Take ownership of building and maintaining a comprehensive master production schedule that covers daily, weekly, and long-term forecasts to meet and exceed customer needs. Performance Management: Implement processes to monitor performance, driving the business forward by hitting key metrics around cost, waste reduction, material efficiency, OEE, and labour utilization Inventory Control: Ensure a seamless production flow by keeping accurate stock records of ingredients and raw materials, preventing any interruptions due to shortages. Supplier Negotiations: Leverage your skills to secure the best deals from suppliers while ensuring procurement is done within timelines that support uninterrupted production Team Management: Lead, manage, and mentor a team of four who will assist with supply chain operations, stock control, and warehouse management. Logistics Coordination: Coordinate the smooth flow of raw materials from our bulk warehouse and manage product movement to our third-party packer nearby. Continuous Improvement: Analyse production data and adjust schedules as needed to ensure efficient operations and prevent stock shortages. Collaboration: Engage effectively with internal teams, including supply chain stakeholders, production teams, and logistics, to ensure alignment across the business. Risk Management: Assess raw material lead times in collaboration with purchasing and develop contingency plans ("Plan B") for unanticipated shortages to ensure uninterrupted production flow. Cross-Functional Communication: Work closely with our commercial, NPD, sales, and technical teams to stay ahead of trials, product launches, and ongoing production needs. Key Skills and Attributes: Resilient and not deterred by barriers; positive and solution-oriented. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office. - Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Confident and clear communicator, both verbally and in writing. Effective team player, capable of working under your own initiative. Proactive and inquisitive nature with an unwavering eye for detail. Qualifications: Relevant degree-level qualification within a supply chain discipline or equivalent experience in a manufacturing planning environment. Proven experience in planning and demand forecasting within a manufacturing business. Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and forecasting tools (e.g., advanced Excel, ERP systems, demand planning software). This is a full time on-site role Monday to Friday 8.30am till 5.30pm This is a unique opportunity to be part of an evolving business where you can make a significant impact. If you are ready to take on the challenge of shaping the production processes from the ground up while leading a dedicated team Ideal Employment is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: £33,000.00-£38,000.00 per year