Production Planner (Amanzimtoti, KZN)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Production Planning & Scheduling: Develop, plan, and schedule weekly production plans for both filling production and bulk manufacturing to meet customer demand and production targets.
2. Raw Materials & Packaging Management: Ensure timely availability of all required raw materials and packaging materials, maintaining accurate inventory levels for uninterrupted production.
3. Staffing & Overtime Management: Assess and manage staffing levels, and oversee overtime costs to ensure production stays within budget while meeting demand.
4. Reporting & Communication: Provide detailed reports on production status, progress, and any issues that arise. Communicate effectively with upper management regarding production challenges and solutions.
5. Problem Resolution: Handle production disruptions, supply chain issues, and productivity problems to maintain operational efficiency.
6. Improvement: Assist in identifying areas for improvement in production processes and help implement initiatives to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
7. Demand/Supply Analysis: Analyse actual orders and forecast trends to anticipate changes in production requirements, ensuring an adaptive and responsive production strategy.
8. Inventory & Stock Management: Generate weekly reports on out-of-stock, stock on hand, product availability, and inventory status, including weekly infill reports.
9. Special Projects: Assist in the production management of special product ranges such as seasonal gifting projects, including the annual Christmas gifting range.
10. Production Trackers & New Launches: Update and maintain production trackers, including those for product run-downs and new product launches.
11. Export Production: Support the planning and scheduling of export orders, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with international requirements.
12. Change Management: Assist with change management processes related to production procedures, ensuring smooth transitions during operational adjustments.
13. Bill of Materials & Stock Code Maintenance: Help maintain accurate bills of materials and stock codes, ensuring effective product traceability and changeovers.
14. Daily Production Meetings: Lead and run daily morning production meetings, ensuring all departments are aligned on production goals, updates, and issues.
15. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Liaise with internal teams such as Marketing, R&D, Procurement, Warehousing, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Distribution to ensure consistent alignment across departments.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Grade 12
2. Relevant BCom degree or equivalent qualification.
3. At least 2-3 years of experience in Production Planning or Scheduling, preferably in the FMCG sector.
4. Proficiency with ERP & MRP systems (experience with Syspro is an advantage).
5. Advanced Excel skills
6. A strong understanding of the personal care products manufacturing process and supply chain dynamics.
7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
8. Ability to work effectively under pressure and thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
9. Strong analytical skills and business acumen, with a keen eye for identifying and resolving production inefficiencies.
10. Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
11. Familiarity with production scheduling tools and techniques.
12. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to process optimization.

RUMUNERATION

1. Market Related (Negotiable on qualification/s and experience)
2. Group Risk Benefit and gap cover
3. 13th and 14th cheque based on achievement of the annual business and personal targets