Assistant Labour Planning Manager

We are seeking an Assistant Labour Planner Manager to schedule and monitor labour execution according to detailed daily production plans in a 24/7 production environment. Collaborate closely with the Operations team to minimise production time and costs, optimise resource use, and enhance efficiencies. Lead a team of planners to ensure tasks are consistently and accurately completed, addressing issues and coordinating with internal (HR, Operations, Commercial, Finance) and external (staff agencies) stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and manage the Labour Planning team in the absence of the Labour Planning Manager.
• Develop labour plans for the packhouse both weekly and daily, ensuring appropriate staffing levels.
• Prepare weekly KPI reports for the planning department, highlighting achieved metrics and ongoing projects/status updates.
• Review and approve payroll, control overtime, and manage absences.
• Liaise with staff agencies daily to resolve issues promptly.
• Ensure compliance with the Working Time Directive through regular review and control.
• Attend weekly and monthly meetings with staff agencies.
• Conduct monthly planning audits for time and attendance in the packhouse.
• Continually analyse labour requirements in the packhouse to inform management decisions on recruitment.
• Coordinate weekly with HR & Training to address training and recruitment needs.
• Generate reports for Operations and Recruitment to identify skill gaps and ensure sufficient operational resources.
• Collaborate with Operations to establish core teams across key operational areas.
• Manage annual leave scheduling to ensure balanced leave throughout the year.
• Actively promote and implement health and safety standards, contributing to a risk-free work environment and the well-being of all team members.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Complete Annual Leave clearance.
• Support project initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with the Working Time Directive (WTD).
• Provide accurate labour forecasts.
• Identify and address skill gaps.
• Collaborate with Recruitment to drive efficiencies and implement cost-saving initiatives.

Key Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge of TMS systems is advantageous.
• Proficiency in both spoken and written English is essential.
• Advanced MS Excel skills are required.
• Experience in Labour Resource Planning is desirable.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
• Must be a quick learner with the ability to work independently.
• Flexibility to provide on-call phone support is required.