Lead Production Planner - Remote

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Career development

Medical coverage

Retirement plan

Training resources

Performance incentives

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Production Planner to join our fully remote operations team. You will develop and oversee production schedules across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring on-time delivery and optimal resource use while guiding a team of junior planners.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in production planning, strong ERP/APS experience (SAP APO, Oracle ASCP, Kinaxis), and proven leadership. This role requires independent work, excellent communication, and a data-driven approach

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in SCM, Operations, or a related field.
• 7+ years in production planning or scheduling in manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP/APS systems (SAP APO, Oracle ASCP, Kinaxis).

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and optimize production plans and schedules to meet demand.
• Analyze capacity, material availability, and labor resources.
• Collaborate with sales, procurement, and operations to align plans.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to minimize disruptions.
• Monitor KPIs and variances against schedules.
• Lead and mentor junior planning staff.
• Prepare status reports on production, inventory, and forecast accuracy.
• Communicate schedule changes and impacts to stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement of planning processes.
• Utilize APS software to maintain schedules.

Skills

Production planning

Leadership

Analytics

Stakeholder management

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Operations/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SAP APO

Oracle ASCP

Kinaxis

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of specialized industrial components, and they are actively seeking a Lead Production Planner to join their fully remote operations team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for developing and overseeing comprehensive production schedules across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring optimal resource allocation, timely delivery, and cost efficiency. As a remote team member, you will leverage advanced planning software and analytical skills to drive strategic production decisions. This position requires a proactive individual with a keen eye for detail, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in production planning and supply chain management. We are looking for a candidate who thrives in a virtual environment and can effectively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. Join us and contribute to shaping the future of manufacturing planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and optimize production plans and schedules to meet demand forecasts and customer requirements.
• Analyze production capacity, material availability, and labor resources to ensure realistic and achievable schedules.
• Collaborate closely with sales, procurement, and operations teams to align production plans with business objectives.
• Identify potential bottlenecks and proactively implement solutions to minimize production disruptions.
• Utilize advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software to create, maintain, and update production schedules.
• Monitor production progress against schedules, reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) and variances.
• Lead and mentor junior planning staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing planning processes and system efficiency.
• Prepare detailed reports on production status, inventory levels, and forecast accuracy for senior management.
• Ensure effective communication of schedule changes and potential impacts to relevant departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or operations within a manufacturing setting.
• Extensive experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle ASCP, Kinaxis).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials management, and inventory control.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to interpret complex data.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders remotely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant software.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Must possess a stable internet connection and a suitable remote work environment.

Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from R.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• A fully remote work setup, promoting excellent work-life balance.
• Access to online training resources and certifications.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Supportive team culture focused on remote collaboration.