Production Planning Manager - Remote

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager for a fully remote role in South Africa. You will lead production planning, align schedules with forecasts, and optimize inventory and capacity across the supply chain.

Collaborate with sales, procurement and logistics to ensure on-time delivery, monitor KPIs, mentor the planning team, and drive continuous improvement using ERP/MRP tools. Proficiency in SAP, Oracle or Epicor and advanced Excel is required, with ability to work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in operations, supply chain, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in production planning, scheduling, or ops management.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, MRP, and forecasting.
• ERP/MRP proficiency and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed production plans to meet demand and optimize resources.
• Collaborate with sales and demand planning to translate forecasts into production plans.
• Manage inventory of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to balance costs and availability.
• Monitor progress and adjust schedules to address deviations.
• Work with procurement to ensure timely material availability.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop KPIs and lead the planning team to high performance.
• Coordinate with logistics for timely delivery of finished goods.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Forecasting

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Epicor

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive manufacturing organization recognized for its commitment to innovation and quality, is seeking an experienced Production Planning Manager to lead their planning functions. This is a fully remote position, offering a unique opportunity to manage and optimize production schedules and resource allocation from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive production plans that align with sales forecasts, inventory levels, and operational capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in production planning, forecasting, and inventory management, coupled with exceptional analytical and leadership skills. You will work collaboratively with production, sales, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure efficient material flow and timely order fulfillment. This role is crucial in driving operational efficiency and profitability. Our client fosters a supportive and results-oriented remote work environment, encouraging professional growth and autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed production plans and schedules to meet demand, optimize resource utilization, and minimize costs.
• Collaborate with sales and demand planning teams to translate forecasts into actionable production plans.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing holding costs.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to address any deviations or unexpected issues.
• Work closely with procurement to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production planning and execution.
• Lead and mentor the production planning team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Liaise with the logistics team to ensure efficient and timely delivery of finished goods.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in production planning, scheduling, or operations management.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing effective production plans in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, MRP systems, and forecasting techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Epicor) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across different departments remotely.
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently in a remote setting.
• Must be legally authorized to work in **South Africa**.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, a comprehensive benefits program, and the distinct advantage of a fully remote work arrangement. You will have the opportunity to lead critical planning functions and contribute significantly to the company's success. Our client is committed to employee development, providing access to online courses, workshops, and opportunities for professional advancement. Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a remote role, allowing for a superb work-life balance. Join an innovative company that values strategic thinking, operational excellence, and employee well-being. We provide the necessary technological infrastructure and support for you to thrive in a remote environment.