• Provide a concise description of the role's primary purpose and how it contributes to the company's objectives.

• Mention the department or team the position belongs to and who the role reports to.

 Key Duties

Role Purpose:

As a Production & Supply Chain Planner, you will play a critical role in enabling an efficient, cost effective and customer‑focused manufacturing operation through the creation and execution of robust, data‑driven production plans and schedules across all production lines. The role is accountable for optimising the flow of materials and finished goods through production, balancing customer service, cost, capacity, and inventory objectives to consistently deliver on‑time and in‑full (OTIF) performance.

Operating at the centre of the end‑to‑end supply chain, you will translate demand plans, forecasts, and inventory strategies into executable short‑, medium‑, and long‑term production plans. You will proactively identify and manage constraints relating to capacity, materials, and labour, ensuring risks are surfaced early and mitigation actions are clearly communicated.

The role requires strong cross‑functional collaboration with Demand Planning, Supply Chain, Production, Purchasing, Engineering, Technical, Quality and Warehouse teams. Through effective use of SAP S/4HANA and SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP), you will enable informed decision‑making, maintain high data integrity, and continuously improve planning processes. Your contribution will directly support manufacturing stability, cost control, working capital optimisation, and the achievement of broader business growth and performance objectives.

Role Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Own and optimise the monthly production plan and weekly production schedules across all production lines to maximise efficiency, service, and cost performance.

• Plan and schedule all products within required timeframes to meet global stock-holding policies, customer order deadlines, and dispatch requirements.

• Translate demand plans, forecasts, and inventory strategies into short-, medium-, and long-term production plans.

• Utilise SAP S/4HANA and SAP IBP to convert forecast and demand signals into executable plans, proactively identifying capacity, material, and labour constraints.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Purchasing and the Warehouse team to ensure the production plans and schedule aligns with raw materials availability.

• Liaise daily and weekly with the Transport Manager to ensure outbound loads and transport plans align with production output.

• Partner closely with the Production Manager and Shift Managers to optimise WIP levels and overall production efficiency.

• Collaborate with Quality and Technical teams on quality issues (e.g. goods on hold, rework, or rejections), adjusting plans and communicating supply impacts.

• Liaise with Demand Planning to align finished goods buffer stocks and inventory parameters.

Master Data, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate production planning parameters and master data within SAP S/4HANA and SAP IBP, ensuring data integrity and planning accuracy.

• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Finance to optimise MRP parameters, working capital, and total cost.

• Support and contribute to SAP/IBP system enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Continuously improve production planning and scheduling processes, promoting best practice use of SAP tools.

Reporting, Insights & Governance

• Provide accurate reporting, performance metrics, and data-driven insights using SAP, IBP, and Excel.

• Regularly update Senior Production and Operations leadership on risks or issues impacting safety, service, or efficiency.

Strategic & Portfolio Support

• Support the development of long-term production strategies, ensuring capacity and resources align with forecast demand.

• Identify and support timely CapEx requirements based on medium- to long-term capacity analysis.

• Ensure new product introductions and line trials are planned and scheduled effectively.

• Conduct periodic reviews of SKU performance to identify items negatively impacting OEE, supporting rationalisation or improvement initiatives.

This is not an exhaustive list and may be subject to change and amendment

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential (Non‑Negotiable)

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in production planning, supply planning, or a closely related supply chain role, ideally within a high‑volume FMCG or regulated manufacturing environment where service, quality, and efficiency are critical.

• Hands‑on experience using SAP ERP/SAP S/4HANA and SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) to develop, manage, and execute production plans and schedules, including interpretation of MRP outputs and planning exceptions.

• Proven ability to translate demand plans, forecasts, and inventory strategies into practical, executable short‑, medium‑, and long‑term production schedules, while identifying and managing constraints relating to capacity, materials, and labour.

• Strong analytical capability with experience using data to assess trade‑offs, identify risks, and support timely, evidence‑based operational and planning decisions.

• Highly organised, proactive, and detail‑focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and maintain plan stability in a dynamic and fast‑changing production environment.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to manipulate, analyse, and interpret complex data sets to support operational reporting, scenario analysis, and decision‑making.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross‑functional and matrix teams, influencing outcomes without direct authority.

Desirable (Value Adding)

• Experience supporting or contributing to SAP S/4HANA or SAP IBP enhancements, implementations, or optimisation initiatives.

• Exposure to multi‑site, regional, or global supply chain environments with complex product portfolios.

• Experience in SKU rationalisation, portfolio optimisation, capacity planning, or OEE improvement initiatives.

• Familiarity with regulated manufacturing requirements, quality systems, or compliance‑driven operational environments.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Formal Education: Third‑level qualification in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related discipline, providing a strong foundation in manufacturing processes, planning principles, and commercial drivers.

• Certifications: APICS (CPIM, CSCP), SAP, or other relevant supply chain or planning certifications (desirable).

• Equivalency Statement: Where formal qualifications are not held, a minimum of 5 years’ directly relevant experience within Manufacturing, Supply Planning or Purchasing may be considered equivalent.

WaterWipes Competencies to Perform the Role

• Accountability: Takes ownership for production planning outcomes, delivers on commitments, and accepts responsibility for decisions and actions regardless of outcome. Escalates risks and issues promptly to protect service, safety, and performance.

• Decision Making: Makes timely, well‑reasoned planning decisions using available data and stakeholder input. Clearly communicates the rationale behind decisions and balances short‑term operational needs with longer‑term supply chain objectives.

• Driving for Results: Demonstrates a strong delivery mindset, consistently meeting planning deadlines and performance targets. Remains resilient and persistent when faced with operational challenges or competing priorities.

• Integrity: Acts with honesty and transparency, upholding WaterWipes values in all interactions. Builds trust through open communication, reliability, and respect for colleagues across the organisation.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively across Operations, Supply Chain, and support functions to achieve shared goals. Actively contributes to discussions, values diverse perspectives, and supports others to deliver collective outcomes.

• Managing Resources: Uses production capacity, inventory, and system resources efficiently. Adapts plans in response to changing demand or constraints to maximise overall business performance.

• Driving Strategy: Demonstrates an understanding of WaterWipes’ longer‑term business and supply chain goals. Aligns day‑to‑day planning decisions with broader strategic objectives, considering the wider impact on customers, cost, and the brand.

Functional Competencies to Perform the Role

• Production Planning & Scheduling Expertise: Applies deep understanding of manufacturing flows, constraints, and sequencing to create stable, efficient, and achievable production plans across short‑, medium‑, and long‑term horizons.

• SAP S/4HANA & SAP IBP Proficiency: Confidently uses SAP planning tools to convert demand and forecast signals into executable plans. Maintains high master data integrity and leverages system outputs to drive informed decision‑making.

• End‑to‑End Supply Chain Insight: Understands the interdependencies between demand planning, production, warehousing, transport, and customer service, ensuring decisions optimise the total supply chain rather than individual functions.

• Data‑Driven Analysis & Insight: Analyses performance data, planning exceptions, and trends to identify risks, improvement opportunities, and root causes. Uses insight to recommend and implement corrective actions.

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Actively seeks opportunities to improve planning processes, system usage, and ways of working. Supports SAP / IBP enhancements and promotes standardised, best‑practice planning approaches.

• Stakeholder & Change Management: Communicates clearly and credibly with stakeholders at all levels. Manages the impact of plan changes, new product introductions, and trials to minimise disruption and maintain operational stability.

Why work for us?
‘The WaterWipes Way’ is underpinned by our Values of: Bravery, Excellence & Respect
We look for individuals who will drive acceptable actions and behaviours that will reflect our vision and values.

WaterWipes offers all the benefits of an established global brand, along with the exciting possibilities of an organisation that lives and breathes change.

There are so many reasons to join us on our ambitious journey to becoming an iconic global brand. Check out our careers page to find out more !