Repack Project Planner

We are currently seeking an interim Repack Project Planner, to work with our global FMCG client, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. This is a full-time temporary role for 12 months, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying between £37,200 to £42,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role will work Monday & Thursday from the Kingston office and the remainder remotely, with ad-hoc site attendance when required.

*Unfortunately due to the urgent nature of the role we are unable to consider candidates with a notice period longer than 1 month.

MAIN JOB PURPOSE:

The Repack planner is responsible for controlling the funnel of ideas and supports their progression through each stage of the NSP (New SKU Process). They work in close cooperation with all key functions in the business to ensure we can deliver optimum availability at the lowest possible cost. Each event is fully planned and requires the coordination of gifting, packaging and component supplies into a range of contract packers whose performance is reviewed and benchmarked. The Repack Planner is part of a team which stretches across most categories. On time and in full delivery of over various schemes, across a number of categories is the key deliverable.

JOB SUMMARY

• Operational management of all repack SKUs within certain categories, working closely with the Packaging Technologist and Repack Buyer.
• Ownership of relevant NSP Funnel to support full process coordination of all repacking activities.
• Issue management and resolution, through clarity on the status of all planned events with clear explanations of live risks and opportunities, consequences and actions that need resolution to meet agreed objectives.
• Relationship management, with packaging suppliers, Repacker, Sourcing units, ensuring that deliveries are received, and prompt payment is delivered.
• Manage the tendering process for individual jobs, identifying late differentiation opportunities, tracking the historical costs, and ensuring that economic advantage is maintained.
• To ensure delivery of special packs on time & and in full in line within the required timelines and at optimal cost.
• Management of packaging, components, gifts and repackers simultaneously to deliver project on time in full. Increasingly also, is the requirements that a repack planner is able to manage short project lead-times, reduced inventory levels, obsoletes and the increased levels of repackers flexibility.
• Updating SAP/Rapid Response reflecting production by raising POs and Contracts ensuring clear signals are being sent internally to sourcing teams and externally to material suppliers.
• Repack planners are also required to conduct stock takes at repackers on a yearly basis (UK) and conduct stock reconciliations, to ensure accuracy of component, packaging, and gift stock.
• Regular business performance reviews with 3rd party packers and material suppliers. Monitoring and maintenance of KPIs and holding them accountable for their performance levels in terms of both service & quality of delivery and communication.
• Regular contact with Brand, Category and Customer Development teams within the head office, setting expectations and clearly project managing each scheme ensuring that deadlines and delivery is met.
• Regular contact with Requirements Planners to ensure, clear visibility of key milestones, delivery of component materials to resolve issues, and to ensure obsoletes on pack and finished goods are minimised throughout the project.
• Note that lead planners will take on additional responsibility such as participation in the weekly operational review meetings, providing formal KPI assessment, root cause analysis to key losses. Lead users will also be required to lead either the repack distribution or IT work stream on behalf of the team and liaise with the process office to identify best practise. Active participation in the monthly innovation reviews within the SC function.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Operational knowledge and experience in using planning systems preferably SAP-based.
• Ability to influence others across functional boundaries and across work-levels within an organisation.
• Ability to hold internal and external partners to account.
• Highly proficient in use of data manipulation in systems such as Microsoft Excel
• Excellent numerical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance risks and opportunities of material requirements, component supply and repacking capacity constraints throughout each project.

Kingston working environment:

• Contractors who are based at Kingston will be eligible to get free parking
• There is a Staff Shop located on the Ground Floor next to the main entrance, where Contingent Workers can buy discounted products.
• A canteen
• A Gym is available for use on the Ground Floor (with subscription).
• Facilities in the gym include cardiovascular equipment, resistance machines, spin bikes, free weights area, boxing equipment and a stretch/matted area. Classes are also available and can be booked directly with the Gym. Shower facilities are available in the changing rooms, along with hairdryers.