Production Planner

Trouw Nutrition; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Trouw Nutrition in Johannesburg is seeking a Production Planner to transform demand into executable production plans and schedules. You’ll work closely with Production, Warehousing, Sales and Planning to optimize manufacturing output and meet customer needs.

The role rewards analytical thinking, ERP experience and strong stakeholder management, with opportunities to broaden into demand and supply planning within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years in a planning environment (production/supply/material).
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision abilities.
• Proficient Excel skills and experience with ERP/planning systems.
• Experience managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production plans and schedules to support short- and long-term priorities.
• Coordinate with Production, Warehousing, Sales, Customer Service and Supply Chain teams.
• Monitor performance, identify constraints and implement corrective actions.
• Manage material requirements and align activities with inventory and priorities.
• Facilitate planning discussions and provide visibility of plans and impacts.
• Analyze planning data, adjust parameters and support KPI reporting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement to enhance reliability and service levels.
• Support cross-functional planning with Demand, Supply and Operations teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Excel skills

ERP experience

Stakeholder management

Communication

Negotiation

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Job Description

Why Join Us

Get ready to Own the decisions as a Production Planner at Trouw Nutrition, a Nutreco company. Every day brings new priorities, challenges and opportunities to make an impact. Working at the heart of our manufacturing operation, you'll help ensure our production sites run efficiently while supporting customers and business performance. Own your judgement, Own your influence and Own your contribution.

About The Team

You'll join a small Supply Chain Planning team supporting Trouw Nutrition South Africa's manufacturing operations in Johannesburg. Working closely with stakeholders across Production, Warehousing, Sales and Planning, you'll help bring structure and clarity to an environment where priorities shift quickly and every decision matters. Beyond production planning, this role offers the opportunity to broaden your expertise over time through exposure to demand planning and supply planning as part of a collaborative, cross-functional team.

What You'll Do

As a Production Planner, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of our manufacturing facilities by transforming demand into executable production plans and schedules.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Developing and maintaining production plans and schedules to support both short-term operational needs and longer-term business priorities.
• Coordinating closely with Production, Warehousing, Sales, Customer Service and Supply Chain teams to ensure the right products are produced at the right time.
• Monitoring production performance, identifying potential constraints or risks, and implementing actions to minimize disruptions.
• Managing material requirements and ensuring production activities are aligned with inventory availability and business priorities.
• Facilitating planning discussions with key stakeholders and providing clear visibility of production plans and potential impacts.
• Analyzing planning data, maintaining planning parameters and supporting KPI reporting to drive operational performance.
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance planning reliability, production efficiency and service levels.
• Supporting cross-functional planning activities and collaborating with colleagues across demand planning, supply planning and operations.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is responsible, accountable and ready to Own this role. You'll thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment where priorities can change quickly and where sound judgement, resilience and problem-solving are essential.

You Will Ideally Bring

• At least 4 years of experience in a planning environment, such as Production Planning, Supply Planning, Material Planning or a similar role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make confident, data-driven decisions.
• Excel skills and the ability to work effectively with ERP and planning systems.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and performing well under pressure.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and negotiation skills, with the confidence to influence decisions and challenge constructively when needed.
• A proactive, inquisitive mindset with a willingness to learn and continuously improve processes.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a range of operational and commercial stakeholders.

How And Why To Find Out More

At Trouw Nutrition, you can build a career with real impact. Your work will directly contribute to operational excellence, customer satisfaction and the efficient delivery of products that support sustainable food production around the world. If you're looking for a role where you can influence outcomes, solve complex challenges and continue developing your planning expertise, we'd love to hear from you. Get ready to Own your development, Own your impact and Own your career.

#OwnIt