Production Planning Specialist - Eastern Cape Operations

Placements24; Lorenziberg; On-site; EUR 22,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Production Planning Specialist for an on-site role in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA. You will develop schedules, coordinate materials, and monitor progress to optimize production flow and meet demand.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a related field and has 3+ years of planning experience in manufacturing, with strong ERP/MRP proficiency and excellent organizational skills. This role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in operations management, industrial engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production processes, capacity planning and MRP.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and production planning software.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of the automotive components industry is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules based on demand forecasts, capacity, and material availability.
• Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Monitor production progress on the shop floor and adjust schedules as needed.
• Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure production meets quality standards.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and optimize scheduling efficiency.
• Manage inventory levels of work-in-progress and finished goods.
• Communicate production schedules and updates to stakeholders.
• Identify bottlenecks and propose proactive solutions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to production planning and control.
• Maintain accurate records of production plans, schedules, and performance metrics.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant manufacturer of automotive components, is seeking a proactive Production Planning Specialist for their facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA. This role is integral to ensuring the efficient scheduling and sequencing of production activities to meet demand while optimizing resource utilization. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, a keen understanding of manufacturing workflows, and the ability to manage complex production schedules. You will work closely with production, procurement, and sales departments to create accurate production plans, manage material requirements, and track progress against targets. This is an on-site position requiring dedication and a hands‑on approach to production planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed production schedules based on demand forecasts, capacity, and material availability.


• Coordinate with the procurement team to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.


• Monitor production progress on the shop floor and make necessary adjustments to schedules.


• Collaborate with quality assurance to ensure planned production meets quality standards.


• Analyze production data to identify trends and optimize scheduling efficiency.


• Manage inventory levels of work-in-progress (WIP) and finished goods.


• Communicate production schedules and updates to relevant stakeholders.


• Identify potential production bottlenecks and proactively propose solutions.


• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to production planning and control.


• Maintain accurate records of production plans, schedules, and performance metrics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.


• Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing environment.


• Strong understanding of production processes, capacity planning, and material requirements planning (MRP).


• Proficiency in using ERP/MRP systems and production planning software.


• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Good communication and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.


• Attention to detail and accuracy in planning and reporting.


• Knowledge of the automotive components industry is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, opportunities for professional development, and a stable work environment within their Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA plant. This role provides a significant opportunity to contribute to the smooth operation of a key manufacturing facility. Join a team committed to excellence in production planning and execution.