Remote Production Planner

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Remote work flexibility

Online training & development

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Remote Production Planner to manage production schedules for manufacturing facilities serving Soweto and surrounding Gauteng regions. The role focuses on forecasting demand and ensuring timely availability of materials in a fully remote setup.

You will forecast demand, create efficient plans and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize resources while keeping costs in check. This is a remote SA-based opportunity with strong growth potential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in SCM, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration or related field.
• Proven experience as Production Planner in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of production processes and supply chain principles.
• Experience with ERP software and MS Excel.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, able to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate production schedules based on forecasts, inventory levels and capacity.
• Collaborate with sales, procurement, and production teams to align planning with business needs.
• Monitor progress against the plan and address deviations or delays.
• Optimize resource allocation (labor, machinery, materials) to maximize efficiency.
• Manage inventory levels for raw materials, WIP and finished goods to meet demand and minimize costs.
• Generate reports on throughput, capacity utilization and schedule adherence.
• Participate in demand planning meetings and provide input on capabilities.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in planning and scheduling.
• Maintain planning documentation and databases; ensure clear remote communication across departments.

Skills

Forecasting

Scheduling

Inventory management

Analytical skills

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM / related

Tools

SAP

Oracle

MS Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Remote Production Planner to manage and optimize production schedules for their manufacturing facilities. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise to operations that serve regions like Soweto and surrounding Gauteng areas, without needing to be physically present at a specific office. The Production Planner will be responsible for forecasting demand, creating efficient production plans, and ensuring the timely availability of materials and resources to meet production targets. This role is crucial for maintaining the smooth flow of operations and ensuring cost-effectiveness within the manufacturing and production sector. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced planner to leverage their skills in a flexible, remote work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain accurate production schedules based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and production capacity. Collaborate with sales, procurement, and production teams to align planning with business needs. Monitor production progress against the plan, identifying and addressing potential deviations or delays. Optimize resource allocation, including labor, machinery, and materials, to maximize efficiency. Manage inventory levels for raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods to meet demand while minimizing holding costs. Generate reports on production performance, capacity utilization, and adherence to schedules. Participate in demand planning meetings and provide input on production capabilities. Identify opportunities for process improvements in planning and scheduling. Maintain relevant planning documentation and databases. Ensure smooth communication and coordination across different departments, despite working remotely.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Proven experience as a Production Planner or in a similar planning role within the manufacturing industry. Strong understanding of production processes, inventory management, and supply chain principles. Proficiency in using production planning software (e.g., ERP systems like SAP, Oracle) and MS Excel. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for effective remote teamwork. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a remote setting. Experience with demand forecasting techniques is a significant advantage. Familiarity with manufacturing operations in the Gauteng region is beneficial. A proactive approach to identifying and resolving planning challenges.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package for this remote position, reflecting your experience and expertise. Employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid coverage and a robust retirement fund. This role provides the significant advantage of working remotely, offering flexibility and work-life balance. Our client invests in employee development through online training and professional growth opportunities. You will be part of a dynamic and supportive team contributing to the efficiency of manufacturing operations, including those near Soweto . Enjoy ample paid time off and opportunities to contribute to strategic planning initiatives within the company.