Production Planning Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a meticulous Production Planning Engineer for our client in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on developing and refining production plans, optimizing resource allocation, and coordinating with multiple departments to meet targets while minimizing costs and lead times.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field and at least four years of production planning experience in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in production planning or scheduling.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed production plans based on demand forecasts, order requirements, and resource availability.
• Optimize production sequences and resource allocation to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with sales, procurement, and production to ensure alignment with changing demands.
• Monitor production progress against schedules and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Maintain and update planning systems and databases with accurate data.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Scheduling

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable manufacturer of specialized components, is seeking a meticulous and forward-thinking Production Planning Engineer to join their operational team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is integral to ensuring the smooth, efficient, and timely execution of production schedules. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and refining production plans, optimizing resource allocation (labor, machinery, materials), and coordinating with various departments to meet production targets while minimizing costs and lead times. We are looking for an individual with strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to manage complex scheduling challenges within a dynamic production environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute significantly to operational efficiency in the picturesque region of Paarl.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed production plans and schedules based on demand forecasts, order requirements, and resource availability.
• Optimize production sequences and resource allocation (machinery, personnel, materials) to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
• Collaborate closely with sales, procurement, and production departments to ensure alignment and responsiveness to changing demands.
• Monitor production progress against schedules, identifying deviations and implementing corrective actions proactively.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Maintain and update production planning systems and databases, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce lead times and improve on-time delivery rates.
• Assist in capacity planning and forecasting exercises to support long-term production strategies.
• Prepare reports on production performance, schedule adherence, and key planning metrics for management review.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing overall production efficiency and effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or manufacturing operations within a production engineering context.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing principles, processes, and workflows.
• Proficiency in production planning software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or specialized planning tools).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate across different departments.
• Experience with capacity planning and demand forecasting techniques.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles is advantageous.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and production specifications.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including private health insurance and a retirement fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a stable manufacturing environment are provided.
• This role is based in Paarl, Western Cape , offering a chance to work in a key production facility within the region.
• The company values a collaborative work culture and supports employee well-being and career progression.