Planning Assistant Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

We have a current opening for a Plant Operating Planning Specialist and are actively reviewing applications.

As a POP Specialist, you will ensure optimal scheduling of the short-term production & materials for the Brantford plant in order to meet the production budget in the allotted periods and volumes coordinated with the Commercial Market Unit.  Ensuring respect of the medium-long term plan created by Remote/Senior Planners.  Ensuring in stock of all necessary raw materials and packaging related to semi-finished and finished product codes.  This position is a combination of local planning/scheduling and materials planning.  

• Local Production Scheduling
• Receive weekly production requirements from Business Units/Remote Planning (APO) and assess feasibility with UGP based on line capacity, manpower, shift standards, and packaging availability.
• Enter production plans into the information system to determine required production factors, including raw materials and packaging.
• Collaborate with Sourcing to ensure packaging and raw materials are delivered on time.
• Prepare and communicate the W+1 production schedule to UGP Managers, Maintenance Manager, and RTOs, ensuring alignment with the Senior Industrial Planner’s plan while optimizing line efficiency and minimizing waste.
• Lead/participate in SIM3 production meetings to determine line schedules and overtime requirements.
• Populate manpower requirements and communicate needs effectively with Kelly’s and Human Resources.
• Act as the primary plant liaison for short-term requirements and secondary liaison with Market Units when the Senior Industrial Planner is unavailable.
• Maintain strong communication with Senior Planners, Market Units, and AOP.
• Review SAP inventory levels every Monday and investigate potential discrepancies.
• Manage bulk inventory and freshness, ensuring targets are achieved and timely reporting supports effective decision-making.
• Schedule Adjustments & Variances
• Weekly, compare current APO production requirements against the previous week, identify increases/decreases, adjust plans as required, and communicate risks.
• Manage schedule changes caused by unforeseen circumstances, balancing production resource optimization with business requirements.
• Conduct daily/weekly attainment analysis to identify production variances and changes; ensure tracking and root-cause analysis (RCA) for PPA.
• Maintain daily communication with UGP Managers and RTOs to monitor schedule adherence and adjust plans when issues arise.
• Long-Term Material Forecasting
• Develop and provide long-term material forecasts to Procurement and vendors.
• Create long-term material capacity forecasts for Warehouse/Supply Chain to support space and capacity planning.
• Quality & Food Safety
• Ensure compliance with all applicable quality and food safety program requirements and standards.
• Proactively submit derogation requests through the documented process and follow up to prevent production stoppages or market risks.
• Inventory Management
• Maintain inventory levels in line with departmental and Group KPIs.
• Validate packaging and inventory adjustments and ensure appropriate coverage based on Market requests and forecasts; adjust future orders as required.
• Investigate inventory adjustments and track/measure stock-outs.
• Delivery of Materials
• Review weekly production forecasts and prepare purchase requisitions for materials required to meet production needs.
• Schedule semi-finished goods with external warehouses and ensure acceptance of materials into the warehouse.
• Establish and monitor semi-finished goods inventory levels.
• Manage critical/short-term reporting for semi-finished goods and expedite materials when required.
• Warehouse Support
• Support Warehouse staff with incoming shipment questions and issues.
• Ensure scheduled lines and POs are open and accurate for receiving.
• Support capacity planning through detailed analysis of future material requirements, including pallet volumes in and out.

•    Competency using ERP, MRP and material planning software packages + Production Scheduling software & systems (SAP/APO)
•    Proficiency (INTERMEDIATE) in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project
•    Solid understanding of forecasting and inventory management 
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills/excellence with numbers
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills for a demanding and customer focused working environment
•    Commitment to change using a Continuous Improvement approach 
•    Strong leadership and communication skills in a Team environment
•    Able to work in a high-pressure environment while maintaining strong sense of urgency and focus on service

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidates applications These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not place human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

The base salary range for this position is $63,000- $84,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.

In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.

Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic. 

Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.