Production Planner

re you ready to make an impact at one of the nation's leading functional beverage manufacturers? At FedUp Foods, we're not just producing beverages-we're pioneering the future of organic, functional drinks with our renowned Buchi brand. Join us at our new start-up plant in Wilmington, NC, and be a key player in driving our success!

Who We Are: FedUp Foods has been at the forefront of the kombucha revolution, and today, we are one of the largest functional beverage manufacturers in America. We offer a diverse portfolio of organic private label functional beverages for top global retailers. As we expand our operations, we're looking for a talented Production Planner to help shape our future.

Position Summary: As a Production Planner at our Wilmington plant, you will be at the heart of our operations, ensuring that our production processes are not only efficient but also capable of meeting the growing demands of our customers. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on solving complex challenges and is passionate about driving continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning:

• Lead the charge in ensuring all activities comply with safety regulations and conduct regular risk assessments to mitigate hazards.
• Collaborate closely with the Logistics and Inventory Manager to provide exceptional customer support and keep communication flowing regarding order status and supply chain updates.
• Develop and maintain production schedules that guarantee the timely delivery of our products, no matter the challenge.
• Monitor production progress and dynamically adjust schedules to address any delays or changes in demand.
• Dive into production data to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions that boost efficiency.
• Keep all relevant departments in the loop, including sales, operations, and logistics, with clear and timely communication of production plans and updates.
• Partner with the quality assurance team to ensure that every product meets our high standards for quality and safety.
• Maintain meticulous records of production schedules, inventory levels, and other critical data to support informed decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Expand your expertise by cross-training within the Supply Chain department, supporting team coverage, and broadening your knowledge base.

Purchasing:

• Accurately prepare and process purchase orders for the materials, equipment, and supplies that keep our operations running smoothly.
• Take charge of coordinating the inbound logistics of procured materials and ingredients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, securing the best deals on pricing, availability, and delivery schedules.
• Keep a keen eye on inventory levels, ensuring we have the right stock without overstocking, and assist in conducting regular inventory audits.
• Maintain precise records of orders, deliveries, and inventory levels in our procurement database, ensuring all data is up-to-date and easily accessible.
• Play a key role in negotiating pricing and terms with suppliers, driving cost savings, and resolving any invoice discrepancies.
• Ensure all procurement activities align with company policies and procedures while staying informed about industry trends and regulations.
• Generate and analyze procurement reports to provide valuable insights that guide decision-making.

Food Safety and Quality:

• Be a champion of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in our production facility and inspire your team to do the same.
• Understand and uphold our Safe Quality Food (SQF) policies related to pest control, visitors, allergen management, and cleaning and sanitation.
• Demonstrate a commitment to food safety and quality, and actively contribute to our continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Expertise in demand planning software (e.g., NETSUITE, SAP APO, Oracle Demantra) and advanced proficiency in MS Excel. ERP system experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and make informed decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively present data to diverse stakeholders.
• A meticulous eye for detail and a high level of accuracy in all tasks.
• A collaborative spirit with the ability to build strong working relationships across departments.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
• A solid understanding of production processes and supply chain management principles.
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and standards is strongly preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or supply chain management, preferably in the food and beverage industry.
• 3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or a similar role within the food and beverage industry is preferred.
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Certification in production and inventory management (e.g., APICS CPIM) or supply chain management (e.g., CSCP) is preferred.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies or equipment up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.

Why FedUp Foods? This is more than just a job-it's an opportunity to be part of a team that's redefining the beverage industry. If you're a driven, detail-oriented professional with a passion for production planning and supply chain management, we want to hear from you. Apply today and join us in crafting the future of functional beverages!