Production Planning Specialist

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Stable work environment

Career advancement opportunities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Production Planning Specialist for a growing manufacturing operation in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will manage schedules, coordinate with procurement, and drive efficiency in the production flow.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years in production planning, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in planning software such as SAP or Oracle, plus advanced Excel abilities. On-site role with a supportive, dynamic team in the Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Diploma in SCM/Operations or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet demand forecasts and orders.
• Monitor progress and adjust schedules to address deviations or bottlenecks.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely materials.
• Generate material requirements and purchase requisitions.
• Analyze data to improve efficiency and lead times.
• Communicate plans to production teams and management.
• Maintain records of plans, materials, and metrics.
• Assist in implementing and optimizing planning software.
• Contribute to overall production efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Skills

Production planning

Data analysis

Excel

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Diploma in Supply Chain/Operations

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel (advanced)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing manufacturing company based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking a detail-oriented Production Planning Specialist to join their team. This role is vital for ensuring efficient production scheduling, managing material requirements, and optimizing the flow of goods through the manufacturing process. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a solid understanding of production planning software and methodologies. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual to contribute to the operational success of a key employer in the Eastern Cape region, working within a supportive and dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet demand forecasts and customer orders.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as necessary to address any deviations or bottlenecks.
• Coordinate with procurement and inventory management teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials.
• Calculate material requirements and generate purchase requisitions as needed.
• Analyze production data to identify areas for improvement in efficiency and lead times.
• Communicate production plans and updates to relevant stakeholders, including production teams and management.
• Ensure adherence to production deadlines and quality standards in Queenstown.
• Maintain accurate records of production plans, inventory levels, and performance metrics.
• Assist in the implementation and optimization of production planning software.
• Contribute to the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the manufacturing operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or a similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with production planning software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) or advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and inventory management principles.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and analysis.
• Prior experience in the Eastern Cape industrial sector is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Opportunities for professional development
• Stable work environment
• Chance to contribute significantly to the production efficiency of a key manufacturing operation in Queenstown
• Valuable experience in production planning and supply chain management within a growing company
• Collaborative work culture
• Potential for career advancement within the South African manufacturing sector