Planner, production

Barry Callebaut is a global leader in chocolate and cocoa products, driven by a passion for innovation, sustainability, and excellence. As a company committed to delighting customers and outperforming the competition, we combine deep manufacturing expertise with world-class supply chain solutions to create value across the food industry.

At Barry Callebaut, our people are at the heart of our success. We are looking for talented, passionate individuals who thrive in a dynamic and agile environment, embrace continuous learning, live our values every day, and are excited to be part of a team united by one common passion: chocolate.

About the Role

The Production Planner is responsible for developing and executing production plans that support customer service, operational efficiency, inventory targets, and on-time delivery performance. This role serves as a key link between Production, Transportation, Customer Service, Procurement, Warehousing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure materials, capacity, and logistics resources are aligned to business demand.

The successful candidate will bring a strong operational mindset coupled with planning expertise and transportation awareness. They will be a highly analytical and strategic thinker who can evaluate complex business requirements, anticipate challenges, and proactively implement solutions to meet production schedules and customer commitments. This individual will take full ownership of their responsibilities, demonstrate accountability for results, actively contribute to team success, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that support the evolving needs of the business.

The ideal candidate thrives in a operational or manufacturing team environment, maintains a positive and driven attitude, and consistently focuses on delivering to plan, achieving operational goals, and supporting a culture of excellence, safety, and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain short, medium, and long-term production plans for Liquid, Packaging, and Molding operations to ensure customer demand, production capacity, inventory objectives, and service requirements are met.
• Coordinate production schedules across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, procurement, and customer service functions to ensure seamless execution.
• Monitor production performance against plan and proactively resolve constraints related to materials, labor, equipment capacity, transportation, and inventory availability.
• Evaluate manufacturing capacity, line utilization, tank availability, and material flow to optimize production efficiency and schedule attainment.
• Collaborate with transportation and logistics teams to align shipping schedules, product availability, and customer delivery requirements.
• Manage inventory levels, safety stock strategies, and replenishment plans to support operational continuity while minimizing excess inventory.
• Utilize SAP, MRP, and planning tools to maintain accurate planning parameters, forecasts, inventory records, and production requirements.
• Analyze trends, operational performance, and planning metrics to identify risks and opportunities and drive data-based decision making.
• Release and monitor raw material and packaging requirements to support uninterrupted production operations.
• Partner with Procurement and suppliers to address supply challenges, shortages, and changing business requirements.
• Coordinate and prioritize rework activities, special projects, and schedule adjustments while maintaining customer service objectives.
• Lead schedule recovery efforts when production disruptions occur and communicate mitigation plans to stakeholders.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and weekly planning reviews as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on schedule attainment, inventory optimization, operational efficiency, and service performance.
• Develop strong cross-functional relationships and serve as a trusted planning resource for operational teams.
• Support and promote a culture of ownership, accountability, collaboration, food safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and actively support business changes that improve operational performance and customer satisfaction.
• Cross-train and share knowledge with team members to strengthen departmental capability and flexibility.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Logistics, or a related field preferred.

Equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing planning experience.

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of experience in production planning, supply chain planning, operations, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, or a related role within a manufacturing environment. Food manufacturing experience preferred. Demonstrated experience balancing production requirements, inventory management, transportation constraints, and customer service commitments. Proficiency with SAP, MRP/ERP systems, and advanced Microsoft Excel. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Experience managing priorities in a fast-paced environment with changing business demands. Proven ability to collaborate effectively across operations, planning, transportation, procurement, warehousing, and customer service functions. Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment. Demonstrated track record of meeting schedules, achieving operational targets, and delivering results.

Additional Requirements / Key Competencies

Office based - Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm. Analytical and strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem solving. Positive, driven, and results-oriented professional who consistently follows through on commitments. Strong sense of ownership and accountability for individual and team performance. Ability to take initiative, challenge the status quo, and drive positive change in support of business objectives. Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and follow-through. Focused on delivering to plan, achieving goals, and maintaining schedule adherence. Team-oriented individual who contributes positively to an established team environment while demonstrating independence and leadership when required. Customer-focused with a strong commitment to service excellence. Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:

• Competitive compensation package (65K - 85K) including salary, benefits, and vacation time
• 12 paid holidays
• Collaborative atmosphere with like-minded individuals who are passionate about chocolate
• The ability to grow your career within an organization that values development and internal career growth
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
• Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.