Plant Operating Planning (POP) Specialist

About the Role  We have a current opening for a Plant Operating Planning Specialist and are actively reviewing applications. As a POP Specialist, you will ensure optimal scheduling of the short-term production & materials for the Brantford plant in order to meet the production budget in the allotted periods and volumes coordinated with the Commercial Market Unit. Ensuring respect of the medium-long term plan created by Remote/Senior Planners.

Ensuring in stock of all necessary raw materials and packaging related to semi-finished and finished product codes. This position is a combination of local planning/scheduling and materials planning.
Main Responsibilities   Local Production Scheduling
Receive weekly production requirements from Business Units/Remote Planning (APO) and assess feasibility with UGP based on line capacity, manpower, shift standards, and packaging availability.
Enter production plans into the information system to determine required production factors, including raw materials and packaging
Collaborate with Sourcing to ensure packaging and raw materials are delivered on time.
Prepare and communicate the W+1 production schedule to UGP Managers, Maintenance Manager, and RTOs, ensuring alignment with the Senior Industrial Planner’s plan while optimizing line efficiency and minimizing waste.
Lead/participate in SIM3 production meetings to determine line schedules and overtime requirements.
Populate manpower requirements and communicate needs effectively with Kelly’s and Human Resources.
Act as the primary plant liaison for short-term requirements and secondary liaison with Market Units when the Senior Industrial Planner is unavailable.
Maintain strong communication with Senior Planners, Market Units, and AOP.
Review SAP inventory levels every Monday and investigate potential discrepancies.
Manage bulk inventory and freshness, ensuring targets are achieved and timely reporting supports effective decision-making.
Schedule Adjustments & Variances
Weekly, compare current APO production requirements against the previous week, identify increases/decreases, adjust plans as required, and communicate risks.
Manage schedule changes caused by unforeseen circumstances, balancing production resource optimization with business requirements.
Conduct daily/weekly attainment analysis to identify production variances and changes; ensure tracking and root-cause analysis (RCA) for PPA.
Maintain daily communication with UGP Managers and RTOs to monitor schedule adherence and adjust plans when issues arise.
Long-Term Material Forecasting   Develop and provide long-term material forecasts to Procurement and vendors.
Create long-term material capacity forecasts for Warehouse/Supply Chain to support space and capacity planning.
Quality & Food Safety   Ensure compliance with all applicable quality and food safety program requirements and standards.
Proactively submit derogation requests through the documented process and follow up to prevent production stoppages or market risks.
Inventory Management   Maintain inventory levels in line with departmental and Group KPIs.
Validate packaging and inventory adjustments and ensure appropriate coverage based on Market requests and forecasts; adjust future orders as required.
Investigate inventory adjustments and track/measure stock-outs.
Delivery of Materials   Review weekly production forecasts and prepare purchase requisitions for materials required to meet production needs.
Schedule semi-finished goods with external warehouses and ensure acceptance of materials into the warehouse.
Establish and monitor semi-finished goods inventory levels.
Manage critical/short-term reporting for semi-finished goods and expedite materials when required.
Warehouse Support   Support Warehouse staff with incoming shipment questions and issues.
Ensure scheduled lines and POs are open and accurate for receiving.
Support capacity planning through detailed analysis of future material requirements, including pallet volumes in and out.
About You   Competency using ERP, MRP and material planning software packages + Production Scheduling software & systems (SAP/APO)
Proficiency (INTERMEDIATE) in Excel, Word,…