Remote Production Planner & Scheduler - FMCG

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 860,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work environment

Medical aid contributions

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly organized Remote Production Planner & Scheduler for a fast-paced FMCG environment in South Africa. You will craft and optimize detailed production schedules, manage inventory, and align with procurement and logistics to ensure efficient operations.

The role demands strong analytical skills, ERP/MRP and APS proficiency, and the ability to work effectively in a fully remote setup across regions including Kimberley. A minimum of 4 years in planning is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in production planning and scheduling in FMCG.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and APS software.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with high attention to detail.
• Effective remote collaboration and communication with diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other planning tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and inventory management.
• Comfortable working full-time remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Analyze demand forecasts and sales orders to plan production requirements.
• Optimize production sequencing to maximize throughput and minimize changeover times.
• Manage raw material and finished goods inventory levels to ensure availability and minimize holding costs.
• Coordinate closely with procurement, manufacturing, and logistics teams to ensure seamless execution of plans.
• Identify potential production bottlenecks or resource constraints and develop mitigation strategies.
• Utilize production planning software and ERP systems to manage schedules and track progress.
• Generate reports on production performance, inventory levels, and schedule adherence.
• Respond to changes in demand or production capacity, adjusting schedules as necessary.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve planning processes and system efficiency.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in SCM/Operations/Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

APS software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-paced Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer, is seeking a highly organized and analytical Remote Production Planner & Scheduler. This fully remote position allows you to manage production schedules and resource allocation from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for creating, maintaining, and optimizing production plans to meet demand, manage inventory levels, and ensure efficient utilization of manufacturing resources. This role requires a meticulous approach to data analysis, strong communication skills for coordinating with various stakeholders, and a deep understanding of production planning software and principles. Your contributions will be vital to our supply chain and operational success, supporting our production facilities across various regions, including our key operations in Kimberley .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules.
• Analyze demand forecasts and sales orders to plan production requirements.
• Optimize production sequencing to maximize throughput and minimize changeover times.
• Manage raw material and finished goods inventory levels to ensure availability and minimize holding costs.
• Coordinate closely with procurement, manufacturing, and logistics teams to ensure seamless execution of plans.
• Identify potential production bottlenecks or resource constraints and develop mitigation strategies.
• Utilize production planning software and ERP systems to manage schedules and track progress.
• Generate reports on production performance, inventory levels, and schedule adherence.
• Respond to changes in demand or production capacity, adjusting schedules as necessary.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve planning processes and system efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in production planning and scheduling, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proven experience with ERP/MRP systems and advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating remotely with diverse teams.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant planning tools.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and inventory management principles.
• Must be comfortable working full-time in a remote capacity.

Benefits

• This fully remote role offers a competitive salary and the flexibility to work from home.
• Our client provides comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in supply chain and planning technologies.
• Access to modern remote work tools and a supportive virtual team environment.
• Contribute to the efficiency of a leading FMCG manufacturer from anywhere in the country.