The Opportunity: We are currently recruiting for a Raw Materials and Production Planner to join our manufacturing site in Crick, Northampton, on a permanent basis. The Company: IPN is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer, employing over 850 people across our 4 UK manufacturing sites. Our family of brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butchers, Classic Cat and a selection of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel and Crick produce dry, wet, and baked foods which are enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world. The Role: The role of the Raw Materials and Production Planner To identify and implement optimum plans and schedules that deliver stock and service targets. Procure materials to organise production in line with customer needs and the factory capabilities. Key Accountabilities: Utilise available planning systems to convert sales forecasts into achievable production plans, schedules and material plans that optimally balance customer service and operational capabilities Manage risks within the plan and amend schedules where possible/practical to achieve customer service and stock targets. Escalate dropped production Share forecasts with suppliers and work with them to resolve issues with materials availability Measure, minimise and publish expected obsolete/over stocks Manage ongoing communication with the operations teams to ensure accurate exchange of information. Including changes to production schedules Propose and implement continuous improvements in own area Monitor and manage plan attainment by work centre. Escalate with operations team to find route cause to relay to management Translate production plans into material requirements and convert them into supplier purchase orders Manage material stocks to ensure always above agreed min stock levels, escalating any instances where supply cannot maintain this Scope and define processes required for effectively working within the role, aligning processes with any relevant teams also involved, operations, finance, commercial. Review and challenge processes on-going to ensure maintain best possible outcome. Skills, Experience & Qualifications: GSCE calibre/time served understanding of planning process FMCG knowledge/have experience of working in a fast paced environment Worked with multiple range of SKU's; both short and long lead time Attention to detail Analytical thinking Computer Literacy including experience of Microsoft office system Confident user to intermediate level of Microsoft excel The Offer: Location: Crick, Northampton Salary: Competitive 10% bonus Hours: 40 hours - Monday to Friday Pension: Employee contributions 3% / Employer contribution 8% Holidays: 25 days Bank Holidays Medicash Plan Maternity/paternity/pawternity Other Benefits: Free parking, tasty treats, bring your dog to work, discounted products, subsidised canteen & free hot drinks Choice of a series of non-contractual flexible benefits, including cycle to work, workplace nurseries and dental insurance. These are offered through salary sacrifice or pay deductions.