Who we are
We are the leaders in the fresh prepared food manufacturing industry. We are fast developing a strong presence in the US as we continue to disrupt the eating habits of US consumers. We are passionate about the food we make and demand for our products is high. You may not know our Bakkavor name but our customers are some of the best known grocery chains across the globe.
In total, we have 19,000 employees worldwide. Here in the US we are playing an instrumental part in driving change in fresh prepared foods to some of the major retailer chains and in the UK we are the market leader in all categories we serve.
Our mission is: to develop and produce innovative, commercially successful, great-tasting food that offers choice, convenience and freshness to people around the world.
Our values are:
- Respect & Trust Each Other
- Be Proud Of What We Do
- Keep The Customer At The Heart Of What We Do
- Get It Right, Keep It Right
Position Summary
The Sr. Planning Analyst plays a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for managing and optimizing daily production schedules, inventory planning, forecasting, and cross-functional coordination. The ideal candidate demonstrates attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to adapt to shifting production demands.
Key Accountabilities and Functional Responsibilities
Daily Production & Scheduling
- Generate and review Crystal Reports for inventory and schedule attainment.
- Develop and maintain the daily production schedule and update the planner accordingly.
- Lock and finalize Master Production Schedules (MPS) for key customers (e.g., Kroger).
- Coordinate batch card and pull list preparation, including USDA trials and special projects.
Inventory & Forecast Management
- Monitor inventory levels and identify discrepancies in OP Center reports.
- Forecast raw materials and finished goods to support purchasing decisions.
- Save and distribute sauce bag counts and production data to appropriate stakeholders.
Process & Compliance Support
- Participate in the daily SIC (Short Interval Control) meetings to align with operations.
- Ensure process trials and USDA testing needs are scheduled and documented.
- Assist with delisting processes and product changeovers as required.
Communication & Documentation
- Distribute production schedules, kitting sheets, and batch cards to appropriate teams.
- Send weekly HPP (High Pressure Processing) schedules to external partners.
- Maintain documentation accuracy and timely communication of planning updates.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or inventory control, preferably in food manufacturing or CPG.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (Syspro preferred)
- Attention to detail and accuracy, with a commitment to delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Requirements
- Experience with USDA and FDA compliance or regulated manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of food safety protocols and inventory accuracy best practices.