Production Planning Administrator

Simera Sense; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of Earth observation solutions in Somerset West is seeking a detail-oriented individual to manage production processes and digital planning. This role involves hands-on management in ERP systems, evolving into strategic planning using Advanced Planning & Scheduling tools. The ideal candidate has a background in Industrial Engineering and experience with ERP systems, especially Acumatica. Enjoy a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in the growing space industry.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Friendly working environment

Opportunities in the fast-growing space industry

Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with APS concepts and tools for optimizing production.
• Understanding of inventory levels and their effects on production.

Responsibilities

• Manage and draft Production Work Orders in Acumatica ERP.
• Support the implementation and configuration of APS tools.
• Collaborate with teams to improve production efficiency.

Skills

ERP systems experience

Understanding of scheduling principles

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Ability to analyze system data

Collaboration in cross-functional teams

Education

Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Acumatica ERP

Advanced Planning & Scheduling tools

Job description

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you passionate about streamlining production processes and embracing digital transformation? We’re looking for a detail-oriented and forward-thinking individual to bridge the gap between production execution and digital planning. Starting with hands-on management of Production Work Orders in our ERP system (Acumatica), this role offers a unique opportunity to grow into a strategic planning position using cutting-edge APS (Advanced Planning & Scheduling) tools.

Job Purpose:

Bridge production execution with digital planning systems by initially managing and drafting Production Work Orders in Acumatica ERP, while progressively evolving into a strategic planning role leveraging an Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) system.

Responsibilities:

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Liaise with Production, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure smooth production transitions.
• Participate in planning meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in documentation and compliance efforts aligned with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100).

ERP System Administration (Acumatica):

• Create and manage Production Work Orders based on engineering BOMs and demand forecasts from the Master Scheduler.
• Ensure accurate inventory transactions and stock level updates through attentive Production Work Order management.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Stores to align material availability with production needs.
• Track production progress and maintain real-time data accuracy in the ERP system.

APS System Administration (Future Scope):

• Support the implementation and configuration of APS tools to enhance production planning.
• Assist in developing optimised production schedules based on capacity, material availability, and project deadlines.
• Assist in analysing planning scenarios to improve throughput and reduce lead times.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align planning with engineering changes and customer delivery requirements.

Collaboration and Support:

Help ensure accurate stock levels, efficient production workflows, and optimised resource allocation to support the on-time delivery of high-performance optical payloads for small satellites.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

Collaborate with the Production and Quality teams to implement process enhancements and increase efficiency

Required Qualifications:

Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Required Experience:

• Experience with ERP systems (preferably Acumatica) in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with APS concepts and tools (e.g., finite capacity scheduling, constraint-based planning).
• Familiarity with advanced scheduling tools and software to optimise production processes.
• Understanding of scheduling principles, including lead times, critical path and dependencies.
• Ability to balance team workloads, avoid bottlenecks, and ensure optimal use of available resources
• Understanding how material availability and inventory levels affect production schedules and delivery commitments.
• Ability to analyse system data and reports to identify trends, anticipate disruptions, and recommend proactive solutions
• Skill in identifying scheduling risks and developing contingency plans.
• Ability to generate clear, actionable reports and communicate scheduling status and risks to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) and/or similar analytical tools for schedule data manipulation.

Recommendations:

• B- degree or Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with ERP systems like Acumatica to gather relevant production, materials, order data, reporting, etc.
• Experience working with APS systems to gather relevant schedule and planning data for improved efficiency and reporting.
• Experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment specialising in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing will be highly advantageous.
• Experience in aerospace or high-tech manufacturing is advantageous.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter.