Production Planner FMCG

Amka Products (Pty) Ltd; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Health and Beauty manufacturer in Pretoria is searching for an experienced Production Planner familiar with FMCG operations. The candidate will be responsible for developing and optimizing production schedules, managing inventory, and ensuring material availability. This role requires at least 5 years in FMCG manufacturing with strong expertise in MRP, ERP systems, and data analysis. Competitive salary and growth opportunities offered.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience in high-volume FMCG manufacturing.
• Expert in capacity planning and inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills with ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production plans aligned with forecasts.
• Run MRP to ensure timely availability of materials.
• Collaborate across functions to resolve planning constraints.

Skills

ERP (SAP)

MRP

Capacity planning

Data analysis

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Amka is a South African home grown company with over 60 years in the Health and Beauty Industry. We are among the top 5 in South Africa. Our Vision is to be “Brand leaders in the Health, Beauty and Home Care Industry.” Our purpose is “To enrich people’s lives by creating and sharing Abundance.” With a portfolio of over 50 popular brands, Amka is a leading manufacturer in Skin Care, Bath Care, Hair Care, Home Care, Perfumes, Deodorants and Sun Screens. Our Health and Beauty brands include some of South Africa’s most-loved brands.

Introduction

Hiring for a Production Planner – FMCG. Responsible for creating efficient production schedules that balance demand, capacity, and inventory in a fast-paced FMCG environment. Ensures smooth material flow, high service levels, and minimal waste.

• Develop and optimize daily to monthly production plans
• Run MRP to ensure timely material availability
• Align plans with forecasts, promotions, and launches
• Manage inventory levels and service targets
• Collaborate across sales, procurement, logistics, and manufacturing
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma

Skills & Experience

• Expert in ERP (SAP), MRP, and capacity planning
• Strong data analysis (Excel, Power BI)
• Skilled in sequencing, root cause analysis, and KPI tracking
• 5 years in high-volume FMCG manufacturing

The production planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and executing optimized production schedules that balance demand, capacity, and inventory targets in a fast-paced FMCG environment. This role ensures the seamless flow of materials and finished goods through the supply chain, delivering high service levels while minimizing waste, costs, and operational risk.

Responsibilities

1. Production Planning & Scheduling

   • Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production plans aligned with demand forecasts, capacity constraints, and inventory policies.
   • Optimise sequencing to minimise changeovers, downtime, and material waste.

2. Material Requirements Planning (MRP)

   • Adjust plans proactively in response to demand fluctuations, supply disruptions, or operational constraints.
   • Run and analyse MRP to ensure timely availability of raw and packaging materials.
   • Collaborate with procurement to manage lead times, MOQ constraints, and supplier performance.
   • Maintain accurate master data to ensure planning system integrity.

3. Demand & Forecast Integration

   • Translate statistical forecasts and commercial inputs into executable production schedules.
   • Incorporate promotional, seasonal, and new product launch requirements into plans.
   • Monitor forecast accuracy and drive continuous improvement in planning processes.

4. Inventory & Service Level Management

   • Balance service level targets with working capital objectives.
   • Monitor and manage safety stock levels to prevent stock-outs or excess inventory.
   • Track and report on OTIF, plan adherence, and inventory turns.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

   • Work closely with sales, marketing, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics teams to align plans and resolve constraints.
   • Participate in S&OP cycles, providing capacity and supply insights.
   • Communicate plan changes and risks clearly to stakeholders.

6. Continuous Improvement

   • Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to improve planning accuracy, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.
   • Lead or support projects to migrate manual processes into ERP-driven workflows.
   • Conduct root cause analysis for recurring planning or supply issues.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• End-to-End Supply Chain Flow
• MRP & ERP Logic
• Capacity & Constraint Management
• Forecast Interpretation
• KPI Frameworks
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Scenario Planning
• Root Cause Analysis Tools
• Cost Implications of Planning Decisions

Experience

• 5 years in FMCG manufacturing (preferably in high-volume, multi-SKU environments such as personal care, or household goods).
• ERP Super-User Level
• Advanced Excel & Power BI

- Strong planning experience in creating and refining production schedules, ensuring material availability through MRP, integrating forecasts and promotions, managing inventory and service levels, and applying Lean/Six Sigma principles.

- Expert in ERP (SAP), MRP, and capacity planning

- Advanced Excel, Power BI

- Skilled in sequencing, root cause analysis, and KPI tracking

- 5 years in high-volume FMCG manufacturing