Production Planning Manager

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Bonuses and incentives

Career development

Relocation assistance

Training programs

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager to lead the planning function at their Centurion, Gauteng facility. The role oversees demand forecasting, MRP/MPS, scheduling, and capacity management, driving efficiency and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in production planning within manufacturing, strong analytical skills, Lean expertise, and hands-on experience with SAP APO or Oracle ASCP.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in production planning and scheduling within a manufacturing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of MRP/MPS systems and advanced planning software (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle ASCP).
• Lean manufacturing principles and their application in production planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement production plans and schedules to meet demand forecasts and customer orders.
• Manage the master production schedule (MPS) and material requirements planning (MRP) processes.
• Analyze production capacity, identify constraints, and develop optimization strategies.
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Work with operations to ensure adherence to production schedules and identify areas for improvement.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods and optimize stock.
• Analyze production data and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with sales/marketing on demand forecasts and communicate production capabilities.
• Prepare detailed reports on production performance, capacity utilization, and schedule adherence.
• Lead and mentor the production planning team.

Skills

MRP/MPS

Lean manufacturing

SAP APO

Oracle ASCP

Leadership

Excel

Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree advantageous

Tools

SAP APO

Oracle ASCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing enterprise, is actively seeking an experienced and strategic Production Planning Manager to lead their planning operations from their **Centurion, Gauteng** facility. This critical role involves overseeing the entire production planning lifecycle, from demand forecasting and material requirements planning to scheduling and capacity management. The ideal candidate will possess a robust understanding of supply chain dynamics, lean manufacturing principles, and advanced planning software. You will be responsible for optimizing production schedules to meet customer demands efficiently while minimizing costs and lead times. This position requires strong analytical skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a dynamic production environment. As the Production Planning Manager, you will collaborate closely with procurement, operations, sales, and logistics teams to ensure seamless integration and execution of production plans, driving operational excellence and contributing significantly to the company's strategic objectives. This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned planner to make a substantial impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive production plans and schedules to meet demand forecasts and customer orders.
• Manage the master production schedule (MPS) and material requirements planning (MRP) processes.
• Analyze production capacity, identify potential constraints, and develop strategies to optimize resource utilization.
• Collaborate with procurement to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Work closely with the operations team to ensure adherence to production schedules and identify areas for improvement.
• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods, and implement strategies for optimal stock management.
• Analyze production data and performance metrics to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Liaise with sales and marketing teams to understand demand forecasts and communicate production capabilities.
• Prepare detailed reports on production performance, capacity utilization, and schedule adherence for management review.
• Lead and mentor the production planning team, fostering a culture of accuracy and efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is advantageous.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in production planning and scheduling within a manufacturing environment.
• In-depth knowledge of MRP/MPS systems and advanced planning software (e.g., SAP APO, Oracle ASCP).
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and their application in production planning.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
• Experience in a complex manufacturing setting, preferably within the **Centurion, Gauteng** region.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Access to advanced planning and manufacturing technologies.
• Generous annual leave policy.
• Company-sponsored training programs.
• Regular team-building events.