Production Planning Coordinator

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA is seeking a highly organized Production Planning Coordinator to manage detailed production schedules, coordinate with procurement, and monitor progress across manufacturing lines. The role combines on-site coordination with strategic remote planning to optimize resource use and meet delivery targets.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in production planning, inventory management, and forecasting, with proficiency in ERP/APS tools, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain coordination within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with production planning software (ERP, APS).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory management, and demand forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules based on sales forecasts and customer orders.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Monitor production progress and proactively identify and address potential delays or bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with production supervisors to ensure efficient utilization of labor and machinery.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, optimize scheduling, and improve forecasting accuracy.
• Communicate production status, potential issues, and revised timelines to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning processes and efficiency.
• Generate production reports and KPI dashboards.
• Liaise with sales and customer service teams to manage customer expectations regarding delivery times.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP systems

APS tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing manufacturer of specialized industrial components, is seeking a highly organized and analytical Production Planning Coordinator for their facility in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA. This hybrid role is crucial for ensuring efficient production scheduling, optimizing resource allocation, and meeting delivery deadlines. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of production processes, inventory management, and demand forecasting. You will work closely with sales, procurement, and production teams to develop realistic production plans, manage work-in-progress, and ensure timely completion of orders. This position requires excellent communication skills, proficiency in planning software, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. While requiring significant on-site presence for coordination and operational oversight, the role also allows for strategic remote planning and analysis, offering a balanced work arrangement. The Production Planning Coordinator will play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction by ensuring that production targets are met effectively and resources are utilized optimally. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to make a significant impact in a manufacturing planning capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage detailed production schedules based on sales forecasts and customer orders.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Monitor production progress and proactively identify and address potential delays or bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with production supervisors to ensure efficient utilization of labor and machinery.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, optimize scheduling, and improve forecasting accuracy.
• Communicate production status, potential issues, and revised timelines to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance planning processes and efficiency.
• Generate production reports and key performance indicator (KPI) dashboards.
• Liaise with sales and customer service teams to manage customer expectations regarding delivery times.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain coordination within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with production planning software (e.g., ERP systems, APS tools).
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory management, and demand forecasting.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site coordination with remote planning tasks.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Experience in the industrial components manufacturing sector is a plus.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for professional development. Employees benefit from a hybrid work model that provides flexibility. Our client offers a supportive work environment with opportunities for career advancement within planning and operations. You will be part of a growing company that values efficiency and continuous improvement, contributing to the success of their manufacturing operations in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA.