MRP/ Production Planner

Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we near the completion of a new plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking an MRP/ Production Planner to join our team. 

JOB SUMMARY 

The MRP/ Production Planner for Believer Meats will be responsible for managing and optimizing production schedules, coordinating materials and resources, and ensuring efficient operations. This role involves close collaboration with production, purchasing, and logistics teams to maintain smooth production flow while meeting customer demand. The planner will monitor inventory levels, forecast demand, ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards, and provide data-driven insights to improve cost efficiency. The ideal candidate will be flexible and proactive, capable of adapting to the fast-paced and dynamic nature of a start-up environment. 

Benefits: This is a salaried (exempt) role is eligible for a competitive benefits package including PTO, holidays, health insurance, and a retirement program with a company match. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on demand forecasts and inventory levels. 
• Coordinate with production, purchasing, and logistics teams to ensure material availability. 
• Monitor and manage raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods inventory. 
• Ensure timely ordering of materials and manage stock levels to prevent shortages or overstocking. 
• Assess production capacity and identify potential bottlenecks, recommending solutions. 
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and customer service teams to forecast demand and adjust schedules. 
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards in production. 
• Identify production issues affecting quality and work with the quality assurance team to resolve them. 
• Analyze production costs and recommend process improvements to minimize waste and reduce expenses. 
• Create and present reports on production performance, inventory levels, and other key metrics. 
• Use data to support decision-making in resource allocation, production scheduling, and inventory control. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

The ideal candidate will have 5 years of experience with a college degree or 10 years of demonstratable experience in production planning, preferably in the food and beverage or consumer packaged goods industry. We are seeking a Planner with demonstrated experience establishing policies and procedures. The incumbent Planner will have a combination of skills, education, and experience that demonstrate the ability to fulfill all aspects of this job description. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or similar (preferred). 
• Advanced knowledge of MRP and ERP programs such as SAP, ECC, and APO (Advanced Planning and Optimization) 
• Experience with SQF (Safety Quality Food) and/ or BRC (British Retail Consortium) standards for food safety. 
• Knowledge of Kosher standards or similar audit requirements. 
• Valid driver’s license and forklift operator certificate (or ability to obtain).  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.  
• Basic understanding of or ability to quickly learn company product codes and terminology.  
• Thorough understanding of GMPs. 
• Good analytical skills and ability to make sound judgments relative to inventory. 
• Ability to regularly commute to Wilson, North Carolina and work full-time on-site. 
• Authorized to work in the US (Believer is an E-Verify participant). 
• Ability to pass pre-employment background screening and drug test (as applicable). 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

With or without reasonable accommodation 

• Mobility: Must be able to navigate and maneuver around production and warehouse facilities, including moving between different areas, operating machinery, and accessing various storage locations. This includes the ability to walk, stand for extended periods, and climb ladders or use forklifts as needed.  
• Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle and manipulate small tools, operate computer systems, and manage inventory. 
• Physical Endurance: Requires working in a standard office environment as well as navigating various production and manufacturing areas. 
• Visual and Auditory Acuity: Must have good visual acuity to inspect products, read labels, and identify potential issues with inventory or equipment. Auditory acuity is also important for communication in noisy environments and for hearing alarms or equipment sounds.  
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry small inventory items. 

EEO Statement

Believer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.

We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about accommodation during the application process or employment, please contact HR, careers@believermeats.com.