Global Planning Specialist

Permanent, full time role | Hybrid working

Do you have a strong analytical mindset and a passion for optimizing capacity and resources?

Arla Foods are currently seeking a Global Planning Specialist to join our Global Planning Cheese team, based at our Head Office in Leeds. As part of the Global Planning function, you’ll join a team of dedicated professionals across Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and the UK.

As a Global Planning Specialist, you’ll act as a key link between our Sales and Production teams, aligning demand with capacity. You’ll play a critical role in supporting Master Production Planning across our UK dairies, balancing available milk and capacity with demand. From a global perspective, you’ll help ensure our resources are used as efficiently as possible, driving optimal performance across the network.

• Facilitate Plant Review Meetings at site and collaborate with multiple stakeholders
• Lead forecasting analysis, including sales follow-up, plan adherence, and site utilisation analysis
• Prepare and communicate material & analysis for the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process
• Create production plans for site and monitor performance, identifying and resolving supply and demand imbalances
• Develop production plans and monitor performance, identifying and resolving supply and demand imbalances
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement, challenging processes and practices where applicable.

We’re looking for a proactive, analytically strong individual, ideally with a degree in Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Previous experience within planning or logistics would be advantageous, alongside a solid understanding of supply chain processes and production performance metrics, such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

You’ll be highly proficient in Excel, with experience using structured analysis and complex formulas. Familiarity with SAP (particularly planning master data) is important, alongside a good foundational understanding of Power BI or similar BI tools.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, matrix organisation, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across functions. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with a calm and solution-focused approach and the ability to operate under pressure.

We’re committed to supporting your growth and development, offering internal and external training opportunities. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, and flexible benefits.

The closing date for this position is the 30th June 2026.