Production Planning Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career growth opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Lead planning operations for a major制造

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager for a major manufacturing site in Soweto, Gauteng. You will lead a team of planners, oversee demand forecasting, capacity planning and inventory management, and drive production schedules using ERP/APS systems.

You will partner with production, procurement and sales to optimize resources, monitor KPIs, and develop contingency plans to ensure on-time delivery in a large-scale manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM/Operations/Business Administration or related field.
• 4–6 years in production planning or scheduling, with 2+ years in a supervisory role.
• Proven experience in demand forecasting, capacity planning and inventory management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) and APS.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Experience in manufacturing sector is essential.
• Willingness to work on-site in Soweto facility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement production plans and schedules based on demand and capacity.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials, WIP and finished goods.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing to forecast future needs.
• Coordinate with procurement for timely raw materials and components.
• Work with production supervisors to ensure schedule adherence.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Lead and mentor the production planning team.
• Utilize and optimize ERP and APS systems.
• Develop contingency plans to address disruptions and ensure continuity.
• Report KPIs related to planning, schedule adherence and inventory.

Skills

Demand forecasting

Capacity planning

Inventory management

ERP experience

SAP/Oracle knowledge

APS software

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management / Operations / Business Admin

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant manufacturing operation based in Soweto, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager. This crucial role involves overseeing the entire production planning and scheduling process to ensure efficient manufacturing operations and timely delivery of products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in demand forecasting, capacity planning, and inventory management within a manufacturing context. You will lead a team of planners, collaborate closely with production, procurement, and sales departments, and utilize advanced planning systems to optimize resource allocation. This is a key leadership position for an individual looking to drive operational excellence in a large-scale manufacturing facility located in Soweto .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive production plans and schedules based on demand forecasts and production capacity.
• Manage and optimize inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to understand customer demand and forecast future needs.
• Work closely with procurement to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Coordinate with production supervisors to ensure adherence to the production schedule and identify any deviations.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage and mentor the production planning team, providing guidance and support.
• Utilize and optimize production planning software and ERP systems.
• Develop contingency plans to address production disruptions and ensure business continuity.
• Report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production planning, schedule adherence, and inventory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in production planning or scheduling, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven experience in demand forecasting, capacity planning, and inventory management.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and operations.
• Proficiency in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced planning software (APS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Experience in the manufacturing sector is essential.
• Must be willing to work on-site in our Soweto facility.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead planning operations for a major manufacturing entity.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities within the Gauteng region.
• A challenging and dynamic work environment.
• Contribute to the efficient operation of a key industrial player.