About us
Ransom Naturals Ltd (RNL) is a leading developer and manufacturer of botanical extracts with nearly 175 years of expertise. Our products cater to the pharmaceutical, food, beverage, healthcare, and personal care industries. Based in Hitchin, just north of London, we are proud of our GMP-compliant facility approved by the UK's regulatory authority.
With a current sales turnover of £7 million, RNL is embarking on an ambitious growth plan to exceed £15 million within the next five years. This growth is underpinned by investments in capital, people, and processes as we work to professionalise and scale the business for a sustainable future.
Purpose of Role
The Operations & Production Planner is responsible for the coordination of the business planning function, balancing customer demand with the supply chain’s capacity and capabilities. Acting as the critical link between sales and manufacturing, this role ensures customer demand is met efficiently and effectively, supporting the business’s operational goals.
This position is integral to the development and execution of the Sales and Operational Planning (S&OP) process. The role requires hands-on management of production scheduling within a fast-paced and dynamic environment while also supporting & deputation for other people in the department.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning:
• Develop and maintain production schedules, ensuring alignment with orders & sales forecasts, inventory levels, and customer requirements.
• Issue Manufacturing & Packing document, assigning new batch number for production
• Create works order on SAGE 1000 & follow through till completion.
• Monitor production progress, identify bottlenecks, and adjust schedules as necessary to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure raw materials and packaging supplies are available as per production requirements.
• Work closely with the Production Manager to align on production plans, address any gaps, and make necessary adjustments to ensure smooth workflow.
Operations Coordination:
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, procurement and warehouse to ensure smooth operations.
• Analyse operational workflows and data to identify and implement process improvements.
• Track and update production plans and maintain progress trackers.
• Participate in Tier 2 meetings and utilize Monday.com on iPad to record production and quality progress in real-time.
• Lead Tier 3 & production planning meetings to update the progress of customer orders & despatch timelines
• Maintain up-to-date records on Monday.com and other tracking tools with WIP dates and milestones.
Inventory Management:
• Manage inventory levels of intermediates, avoiding shortages or overstocking.
• Conduct regular inventory checks and coordinate with production and warehouse teams to optimize stock movement.
Continuous Improvement:
• Lead or participate in initiatives to improve production planning accuracy, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
• Provide recommendations to improve factory workflows and implement lean manufacturing principles where appropriate.
Requirements
Essential Skills & Qualifications:
• Proven experience as a Production Planner, Operations Coordinator, or similar role within the beverages or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing stock systems (SAGE 1000).
• Proficiency in creating production planning tools and workflows.
• Advanced computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite and Excel (macros and VBA experience is highly valued).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to ensure effective collaboration across all levels of the business.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage time effectively.
• Analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Preferred Skills:
• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Experience with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of GMP, quality control processes, and health and safety regulations.
• Experience working in a dynamic and fast-paced SME environment.
This is a full-time on-site role
What we offer
• Competitive salary.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment in a purpose-driven company.
• The chance to work with innovative products in the growing natural beverages and pharmaceutical sectors.
If you’re ready to take on this dynamic role and contribute to the growth of Ransom Naturals Ltd, we’d love to hear from you.
Ransom Naturals Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
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