Purchasing and Production Planning Manager

Company Description

Allensmore Nurseries is a family-owned grower and supplier of garden plants to UK retailers, offering a wide range of high-quality horticultural products. The company is known for its long-standing relationships with national and regional retail customers and its commitment to reliable service and delivery. Team members work closely together across growing, production, and logistics functions to ensure plants reach customers in excellent condition.

The business provides opportunities to contribute to sustainable, seasonal plant production within a supportive and practical working environment.

This is a full-time, on-site Purchasing and Production Planning Manager role based in Hereford. The role is responsible for developing and maintaining production plans that align plant availability, customer orders, and nursery capacity. Day-to-day tasks include creating and updating production schedules, coordinating with growing, operations, and logistics teams, and managing purchasing of materials such as pots, substrates, packaging, and other inputs.

The manager monitors stock levels, forecasts requirements, and liaises with suppliers to ensure timely delivery at appropriate cost and quality. The role also involves analyzing production performance, identifying variances, and adjusting plans to meet deadlines, optimize resources, and support continuous improvement across the nursery.

• Strong production planning capabilities, including experience with production planning, production schedules, and general planning activities.
• Proficiency in production management, with the ability to coordinate operations, monitor output, and align production with demand.
• Well-developed analytical skills, including data analysis, forecasting, and problem-solving in a production or supply chain environment.
• Experience in purchasing or procurement, including supplier management, cost negotiation, and inventory control.
• Ability to work on-site in a horticultural or manufacturing setting, collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy in planning and documentation.
• Competence with relevant software tools (e.g., spreadsheets, ERP or planning systems) and comfortable working with data.
• Previous experience in horticulture, agriculture, manufacturing, or a similar production environment is beneficial.
• Relevant qualification in supply chain, operations management, business, or a related field is advantageous, or equivalent practical experience.