Operations Execution Planner at Nestlé

Position Summary

Are you looking to widen your supply chain experience with a respected global company in a key role with real responsibility and an opportunity to develop your leadership skills?

We’re looking for an Execution Planner to join our Supply Chain Team at our Sudbury, Purina Petcare site.  We are passionate about quality and safety and you would share these values and be ready to assume immediate responsibility as your career develops within the UK and potentially overseas.

At Nestlé Purina, we’re on a mission to enrich the lives of pets, the people who love them, and the planet we share. Join us, and you’ll discover a world where your skills, knowledge, and passion can flourish. As part of our supportive and dynamic environment, you’ll be encouraged to challenge norms, experiment with new ideas, and drive meaningful change. At Purina, you’re not just part of a team; you’re part of a movement to create a better world for pets and people alike.

In our Sudbury factory, the circa 200 strong workforce produce some of the UK’s most popular brands including Go-Cat, Bakers, Purina ONE, BETA and Pro Plan providing consumers with a product to meet their every need. And this ancient, bustling market town in the heart of the Stour valley is surrounded by countryside of outstanding natural beauty making Sudbury an idea place for animal lovers. Plus, there’s the added advantage of London being a 45 minute train ride away from nearby Colchester

Impact

The Execution Planner is responsible for a team of direct reports, reporting to the Operations Planning Manager.

• Working with the Operations planner and the production team to create the most effective production plans in line with market demand considering plant efficiencies and customer service (SAP, Excel, DMO).
• Monitor and allocate resources, including manpower, to optimize production efficiency to support a 24/7 operation.
• Identify and address any resource shortages or bottlenecks that may impact production (packaging or row materials availability etc)
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production processes and reduce waste.
• Ensure smooth operations by effective communication and close collaboration with all partners at Factory, EOP, Market, Procurement.
• To be an active participant in the Planning Team, leading conversations with various stakeholders providing recommendations, information and guiding indicators on issues such as plant capacity and utilisation.
• As a people manager a wonderful part of the role will include Development of careers, succession plans, development and coaching of DPS Planning team.

What will make you successful?

As the successful candidate, you will ideally be of graduate caliber (or equivalent) and have previous experience within Supply Chain. If you come from a forecasting or planning background, this would be an added advantage. 

You will have the ability to plan ahead and meet deadlines and be able to achieve results and make an impact whilst building strong relationships with key stakeholders. 

• Proven track record  in Supply Chain/Operations, ideally in FMCG or Factory environment ideally planning and work logistics
• Evidence of working with multiple Stakeholders varying in seniority and working across the globe
• Showing evidence of project tracking, deadlines are adhered to and identifying risks and opportunities to projects.
• Evidence of recognizing and delivering business priorities and team leadership  
• The ability to work across teams, collaborate, negotiate and focus on the end goals to deliver the business demands.
• Good knowledge of SAP (R/3) APO.  – Essential
•  Microsoft Power BI would be ideal but not essential