Production planner

Function

As Production planner at Merchtem (BE) You will play a key role within the production environment. You will translate commercial demand into a feasible and efficient production plan, monitor progress and ensure that raw materials, capacity and staff deployment are optimally coordinated. In this role, you act as a vital link between production, logistics, procurement, maintenance and other internal teams.

You will work closely with the production manager and actively contribute ideas on how to improve planning, workflow and efficiency. In doing so, you will combine operational accuracy with clear communication and a strong sense of priorities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• drawing up and monitoring the weekly production schedule based on stock levels, available capacity and priorities;
• make rapid adjustments in the event of unexpected changes and production disruptions;
• drawing up and monitoring the staff rota, including leave and overtime;
• coordinate with internal departments such as technical maintenance, demand planning, procurement and logistics;
• monitoring the availability of raw materials, packaging materials and auxiliary materials;
• supporting item management in ERP, including creation, maintenance and labelling;
• analysing production data and contributing to optimisation and improvement projects;
• act as a backup for certain quality-related tasks;
• actively collaborating with the production team to organise processes more efficiently and effectively.

Profile

For this role, we are looking for an analytical and organised professional with 3 to 5 years’ experience in planning, production or a similar operational environment. You feel at home in a dynamic setting where you need to adapt quickly without losing sight of the bigger picture.

In addition, you possess:

• a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field;
• strong planning and organisational skills;
• a good working knowledge of MS Office and a willingness to learn new software quickly;
• an analytical mindset and a keen eye for efficiency and opportunities for improvement;
• a proactive and meticulous approach to work;
• good communication skills, both verbal and written;
• the ability to work independently, but also to collaborate effectively within a team;
• a good knowledge of Dutch, supplemented by English and French;
• Ideally, you should live in the Merchtem area or be able to get there easily from the surrounding area.

Experience with ERP systems, production environments or lean-driven working practices is a definite asset.

Organisation

This company is an internationally active family business within the food industry. Every day, with craftsmanship and attention to quality, various food products are produced and delivered to customers at home and abroad.

Offer

You will be taking on a varied role within a stable and growing organisation with a strong focus on quality, collaboration and continuous improvement. This role offers you the opportunity to take on responsibility, contribute ideas and make a tangible impact on the day-to-day running of production.

What to expect:

• a challenging role offering a great deal of autonomy and variety;
• scope for initiative, optimisation and personal input;
• comprehensive in-house training and opportunities for further development;
• a salary commensurate with your experience and responsibilities;
• a collegial working atmosphere in which collaboration is key;
• a workplace in Merchtem (BE) within an international and people-centred environment.