Work at Stokes

Raw Material Planner

We are looking for a meticulous and organised Raw Material Planner to help keep our production moving smoothly by ensuring a reliable supply of top-quality ingredients.

About the Role:
As a Raw Material Planner, you’ll be the key link between our suppliers and production team, managing the flow of essential ingredients to keep our production line running seamlessly.

Working closely with our Production Planner, you’ll help maintain optimal stock levels, ensuring that production schedules stay on track and that every batch meets our high standards. This role is perfect for someone who’s proactive, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities:
• Supplier Coordination: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to secure timely deliveries and negotiate favourable terms.
• Inventory Management: Monitor raw material levels, ensuring we have the right quantities to meet production needs without overstocking.
• Demand Forecasting: Work with the Production Planner to anticipate demand based on production schedules, adjusting orders as needed.
• Quality Control: Ensure that all raw materials meet Stokes Sauces’ quality standards; work with suppliers to address any issues promptly.
• Problem Solving & Adaptation: Resolve supply chain disruptions quickly and adjust plans as necessary to maintain production flow.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Liaise with procurement, production, and quality teams to align on materials and timing.

What We’re Looking For:
• Experience in Raw Material or Supply Chain Planning: Preferably within food manufacturing or FMCG.
• Strong Organisational & Analytical Skills: Ability to forecast accurately, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple supplier relationships.
• Proficiency in Planning Software: Familiarity with ERP systems and Excel is ideal.
• Excellent Communication & Negotiation Skills: Capable of building and maintaining strong supplier relationships and working closely with internal teams.
• Attention to Detail & Quality Standards: Committed to maintaining the highest quality of materials in alignment with production needs.

What You’ll Gain:
• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We recruit on attitude and the pay will be between £40K and £45K dependent on proven experience, skill and ability.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities to advance within a growing, family-oriented company.
• Collaborative Environment: A chance to work closely with the Production Planner and other team members in a supportive, quality-focused environment.
• Direct Impact: Help drive the efficiency and quality of our products by ensuring the right ingredients are in place at the right time.

How to Apply: If you’re a detail-oriented professional with a knack for managing supplier relationships and a commitment to quality, we’d love to hear from you! Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to Vicky McTaggart – [email protected].

Production Operative - starting rate of pay £11.94 per hour

We’re looking for Production Operatives to support our continued growth and be an integral part of our manufacturing process. If you’re a dedicated, reliable, and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a team-oriented environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Your role will be to help produce our high-quality sauces, ensuring that every step meets our strict standards of excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the production of Stokes Sauces products, following recipes and specifications to maintain high-quality standards.
• Operate and support a range of production line machinery, including the cooking line, cold filling line, capping machine, sachet line, bucket line, and/or labelling line.
• Set up production line machinery for different recipes and product changes.
• Perform pre-checks and thorough cleaning tasks on production lines to ensure safety and hygiene standards.
• Engage in manual handling tasks such as weighing and loading raw materials into vessels, as well as stacking finished goods onto pallets.
• Conduct regular quality control checks and maintain accurate records.
• Assist with size changeovers and ensure efficient transitions between production runs.
• Adhere to a ‘clean as you go’ approach to maintain a tidy and safe working environment.

Required Experience and Behaviours:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Excellent timekeeping and reliability.
• A positive, proactive, and collaborative team player with a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Literate and numerate to accurately complete paperwork and record keeping.

Hours, Pay & Benefits:

• Full-time position, 37.5 hours per week, with rotating shifts: 5:45 am – 2:00 pm and 1:45 pm – 10:00 pm.
• Competitive starting hourly rate: £11.94 per hour.
• Annual leave: 22 days plus Bank Holidays and an additional day off for your Birthday.
• Benefits include a contributory company pension, life insurance, and an exclusive staff discount on Stokes Sauces products.
• Opportunity to be part of a growing and well-established company.
• Friendly, supportive team environment.
• Potential for career growth within Stokes Sauces.

If you’re passionate about quality and want to be part of a dynamic team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join the Stokes family!