Production Planner & Scheduler - Agricultural Equipment

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Opportunities for professional dev

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks a Production Planner & Scheduler to drive detailed production schedules, optimize material flow, and manage inventory for efficient manufacturing. The role emphasizes data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement to meet tight deadlines.

The ideal candidate will leverage ERP/MRP systems and advanced Excel skills, coordinating with procurement, production, and logistics to ensure timely delivery of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (SCM/OM/Industrial Engineering).
• Minimum of 3 years in production planning, scheduling, or similar in manufacturing.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel.
• Solid understanding of production processes and inventory management.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective cross-departmental communication and collaboration.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Experience in agricultural equipment or heavy machinery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed production schedules for all manufacturing lines, considering material availability, labor resources, and equipment capacity.
• Monitor production progress against the schedule, addressing deviations promptly.
• Collaborate with procurement, production and logistics to ensure seamless flow of materials and finished goods.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to support targets.
• Use ERP/MRP to create production orders, track inventory, and generate reports.
• Analyze data to forecast demand and improve scheduling processes.
• Coordinate with maintenance to schedule planned downtime for equipment servicing.
• Communicate production status and delays to stakeholders in Bloemfontein.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and lead times.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Advanced Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable manufacturer of agricultural equipment, is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Production Planner & Scheduler to join their dynamic team in Bloemfontein, Free State . This crucial role involves the meticulous planning and scheduling of production activities to ensure timely delivery of products while optimizing resource utilization and minimizing costs. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of production workflows, and the ability to manage complex schedules in a fast-paced environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to the operational efficiency of a key player in the agricultural manufacturing sector, part of the broader Manufacturing & Production landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed production schedules for all manufacturing lines, considering material availability, labor resources, and equipment capacity.
• Monitor production progress against the schedule, identifying and addressing deviations promptly.
• Collaborate closely with procurement, production, and logistics teams to ensure seamless flow of materials and finished goods.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to support production targets.
• Utilize ERP/MRP systems to create production orders, track inventory, and generate production reports.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, forecast demand, and recommend improvements to scheduling processes.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule planned downtime for equipment servicing.
• Communicate production status and potential delays to relevant stakeholders in Bloemfontein.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing production efficiency and lead times.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or a similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong understanding of production processes and inventory management principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience in the agricultural equipment or heavy machinery sector is a plus.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing & Production planning methodologies.

Benefits

• competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• medical aid
• retirement fund
• opportunities for professional development

This role provides a chance to work in a stable and growing industry within Free State , contributing to the efficient production of vital agricultural machinery. The company culture emphasizes teamwork and continuous improvement, offering a supportive environment for career growth.