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 commission the plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking a Production Planner to join our team.

JOB SUMMARY

The 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

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Develop and maintain production schedules based on demand forecasts, capacity, and inventory targets.

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Coordinate with production, purchasing, and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials, packaging, and consumables.

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Monitor and manage inventory levels of raw materials, consumables, work-in-progress, and finished goods to prevent shortages or overstocking.

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Understand the use of consumables across production processes and ensure accurate forecasting and ordering in alignment with production plans.

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Collaborate with procurement to ensure consumables and other materials are ordered and delivered on time and meet quality standards.

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Evaluate production capacity, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions to improve throughput and efficiency.

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Support the implementation of an MRP system by helping define requirements, workflows, and data structures to ensure system effectiveness.

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Act as a cross-functional partner to operations, procurement, and IT during the MRP rollout, ensuring alignment with production needs and inventory control.

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Train users and champion best practices to promote adoption and long-term success of the MRP system.

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Continuously assess MRP performance and recommend enhancements based on business needs and operational feedback.

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Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal quality standards throughout production planning and execution.

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Identify and resolve issues affecting quality or supply chain flow in coordination with the quality and operations teams.

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Analyze production performance and cost data to recommend process improvements that reduce waste and increase efficiency.

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Prepare and present reports on scheduling adherence, inventory status, and other key production metrics.

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.

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Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or similar (preferred).

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Advanced knowledge of MRP and ERP programs such as SAP, ECC, and APO (Advanced Planning and Optimization)

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Experience with SQF (Safety Quality Food) and/ or BRC (British Retail Consortium) standards for food safety.

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Knowledge of Kosher standards or similar audit requirements.

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Valid driver’s license and forklift operator certificate (or ability to obtain).

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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.

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Basic understanding of or ability to quickly learn company product codes and terminology.

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Thorough understanding of GMPs.

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Good analytical skills and ability to make sound judgments relative to inventory.

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Ability to regularly commute to Wilson, North Carolina and work full-time on-site.

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Authorized to work in the US (Believer is an E-Verify participant).

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Ability to pass pre-employment background screening and drug test (as applicable).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

With or without reasonable accommodation

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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.

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Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle and manipulate small tools, operate computer systems, and manage inventory.

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Physical Endurance: Requires working in a standard office environment as well as navigating various production and manufacturing areas.

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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.

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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.