Production Planner - Remote

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Home office stipend

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Access to planning tools

Supportive work environment

Operational excellence contributions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a meticulous Production Planner for our fully remote operations client in the manufacturing sector. You will develop and manage detailed production schedules, align with procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, and ensure customer demand targets are met while optimizing resource use.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of production planning experience, a degree in SCM/IE/Business, and strong ERP/MRP and APS software skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3–5 years of production planning or scheduling experience in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP and APS software; strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and optimize production schedules based on demand forecasts and capacity.
• Coordinate with procurement, manufacturing, and logistics to ensure material availability.
• Monitor progress and address deviations to minimize delays.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with sales and customer service to communicate status.
• Maintain accurate production records and generate KPI reports.
• Identify bottlenecks and capacity constraints and propose solutions.
• Participate in S&OP meetings and production planning improvements.
• Utilize planning software effectively and continuously improve processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Remote work discipline

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

APS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialized industrial components, is seeking a meticulous and proactive Production Planner to join their fully remote operations team. This role is crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of production, optimizing resource allocation, and meeting customer demand targets. You will be responsible for developing detailed production schedules, coordinating with various departments, and identifying potential bottlenecks before they impact output. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional organizational skills, a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to thrive in an independent, remote work environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a vital function within the company and play a key role in its operational success, enjoying the flexibility and autonomy that comes with a remote position.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and optimize production schedules based on demand forecasts, material availability, and production capacity.
• Coordinate closely with procurement, manufacturing, and logistics teams to ensure timely material availability and order fulfillment.
• Monitor production progress and proactively address any deviations or delays to minimize impact.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to communicate production status and manage expectations.
• Maintain accurate production records and generate regular reports on schedule adherence, output, and key performance indicators.
• Identify and resolve potential production bottlenecks and capacity constraints.
• Participate in S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) meetings.
• Implement and utilize production planning software and tools effectively.
• Continuously evaluate and improve planning processes to enhance overall efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in production planning or scheduling within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, materials management, and production workflows.
• Proficiency in using ERP/MRP systems and advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles is an advantage.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work remotely.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to modern planning tools and technologies.
• A supportive and flexible work environment.
• Contribution to operational excellence of a growing company.
• Home office stipend to ensure a productive remote workspace.