The Production Planner (Schedule Optimizer Upstream) is a key local role responsible for planning and coordinating the full production process at the Hamburg factory - from cocoa beans to liquor, butter, and powder. This position ensures that production runs efficiently, cost‑effectively, and in alignment with central planning requirements. The role requires strong analytical skills, resilience under pressure, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
* Develop and align the weekly production plan for the Hamburg factory based on requirements from the Central Planning team in France.
* Create, release, and monitor process orders in SAP.
* Ensure availability of all required resources, including capacities, materials, and personnel, and initiate corrective actions when needed.
* Plan and order necessary raw materials and packaging materials from suppliers.
* Coordinate production execution while monitoring tank and silo levels, incoming raw materials, and outgoing finished goods in close collaboration with Logistics.
* Monitor and manage inventory levels, including regular and cycle counts.
* Ensure compliance with key KPIs such as ATS, OTIF, costs, and inventory accuracy.
* Support cost‑efficient utilization of production assets.
* Act as backup for the Scheduling Optimizer Downstream.
* Oversee full production planning for the Hamburg manufacturing site.
Your Profile
* Completed commercial apprenticeship or equivalent vocational training.
* 4–6 years of practical experience in production planning or a similar role.
* Strong resilience and ability to perform under pressure and high workload.
* Fluent German and English (spoken and written).
* Strong communication skills and confidence in interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
* Very good IT skills, especially advanced Excel.
* Experience working with SAP R/3.
* Structured, reliable, and solution‑oriented working style