Production Planner

Aeciminingchemicals; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

AECI Plant Health is seeking a highly organised Production Planner to join its Operations team at Lilianton. The successful incumbent will coordinate production, inventory planning and material requirements to optimise capacity and service levels.

Candidates should have 3–5 years in a similar planning role within agricultural or chemical manufacturing, with exposure to MRP systems (Syspro, SAP) and strong Excel skills. A relevant qualification and supervisory experience are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Mathematics.
• A tertiary qualification in Production Planning, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• Supervisory or Management qualification will be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and communicate production plans.
• Coordinate production schedules to optimise plant capacity and resources.
• Monitor OTIF performance and report production metrics.

Skills

Planning

Scheduling

MRP

Analytical

Communication

Education

Grade 12 with Mathematics

Bachelors or equivalent in Production Planning / SCM

Tools

Syspro

SAP

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

AECI Plant Health is seeking a highly organised and results-driven Production Planner to join its Operations team at Lilianton. Reporting to theHead of Operations, the successful incumbent will play a critical role in ensuring the integrated planning and coordination of production activities across multiple plants, enabling optimal customer service, inventory management, resource utilisation and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

The successful candidate will:

• Develop, maintain and communicate production plans in alignment with business requirements and macro production plans.
• Coordinate production schedules to ensure optimal utilisation of plant capacity, labour and resources.
• Monitor and report production performance, including OTIF (On Time In Full) performance.
• Manage customer order commitments and balance commercial requirements with manufacturing capacity.
• Resolve scheduling conflicts and production constraints in collaboration with Production and Commercial teams.

Material & Inventory Planning

The incumbent will:

• Coordinate raw material and packaging requirements with Procurement and Commercial teams.
• Implement material requirement planning activities and authorise order release schedules.
• Manage stock transfers, stockholding requirements and packaging inventories.
• Participate in stocktakes, investigate variances and maintain stock control across designated warehouses.
• Contribute to optimal inventory management and strategic stockholding initiatives.

Toll Manufacturing & Outsourced Services

Responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the primary operational contact for toll manufacturing customers.
• Managing production requirements for external toll manufacturing activities.
• Preparing quotations and maintaining customer service levels for toll manufacturing clients.
• Coordinating outsourced packing activities and ensuring effective stock control and reconciliations.

The successful candidate will:

• Generate and manage production job cards.
• Create stock codes and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Coordinate monthly MRP meetings and support supply planning processes.
• Respond to product availability queries from key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, stock management and operational effectiveness.

Leadership, SHEQ & Governance

The incumbent will:

• Ensure compliance with SHEQ standards, policies and certification requirements.
• Participate in audits and drive the closure of non-conformance actions.
• Promote a strong safety culture through compliance and proactive reporting practices.
• Support employee development, performance management and labour optimisation where applicable.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with company policies and governance requirements.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Mathematics.
• A tertiary qualification in Production Planning, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• A Supervisory or Management qualification will be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 3 to 5 years' post-graduate experience in a similar planning role within an agricultural or chemical manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory or management experience will be advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong planning, scheduling and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) experience.
• Working knowledge of Syspro, SAP or similar MRP systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills and overall Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Knowledge of SHEQ systems, quality procedures and applicable safety legislation.
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transport.
• Safety Awareness
• Planning and Organising
• Work Management and Standards
• Analysing and Problem Solving
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Presenting and Communicating Information
• Working with People
• Leading and Supervising
• Adapting and Responding to Change
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the efficiency and success of a complex manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will join a high-performing operations team where strategic thinking, operational excellence and customer focus are highly valued. The role provides broad exposure across production planning, inventory management, customer engagement and operational optimisation, making it an excellent opportunity for a professional seeking both challenge and career growth.