Remote Production Planning Specialist

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa is seeking a Remote Production Planning Specialist for a premier manufacturing client. This fully remote position allows you to work from anywhere in SA while supporting planning, scheduling, and optimization for Paarl and beyond.

You will develop short- and long-term schedules from forecasts and orders, coordinate with procurement, monitor progress, and maintain ERP data. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in a related field, 3+ years' planning experience, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of production planning/scheduling experience.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed short- and long-term production schedules from forecasts and backlogs.
• Coordinate with procurement and logistics for material availability.
• Monitor progress and adjust schedules to changes in demand.
• Collaborate with manufacturing to optimize resources and minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate planning data in the ERP system.
• Analyze capacity and identify constraints or improvement opportunities.
• Generate reports on performance, adherence, and KPIs.
• Provide realistic production timelines to sales and customer service.
• Identify and implement improvements to planning processes and systems.
• Ensure efficient material flow and minimize WIP inventory.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Remote work capability

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management/Operations/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing organization, is actively seeking a Remote Production Planning Specialist to join their team. This fully remote position allows you to work from anywhere within **South Africa**, contributing to the strategic planning and scheduling of our production operations. You will be responsible for developing efficient production plans that align with demand forecasts, inventory levels, and resource availability. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a meticulous attention to detail, and a solid understanding of production planning principles and software. This role is crucial for optimizing our client's production output and ensuring timely delivery of products. Working remotely, you will collaborate closely with plant managers and supply chain teams to streamline operations for our **Paarl, Western Cape** based facilities and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed short-term and long-term production schedules based on sales forecasts, order backlogs, and inventory levels.
• Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components.
• Monitor production progress and adjust schedules as needed to address unforeseen issues or changes in demand.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize resource allocation and minimize production downtime.
• Maintain accurate production planning data in the ERP system.
• Analyze production capacity and identify potential constraints or opportunities for improvement.
• Generate reports on production performance, schedule adherence, and key planning metrics.
• Work closely with sales and customer service to provide realistic production timelines.
• Identify and implement improvements to production planning processes and systems.
• Ensure efficient material flow and minimize work-in-progress inventory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or a similar supply chain role.
• Proficiency in using ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for planning and scheduling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent understanding of production planning principles, inventory management, and capacity planning.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other relevant planning software.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles is a plus.
• Must be based in **South Africa** and eligible to work remotely.

Benefits

• This remote role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund options.
• Enjoy the flexibility of working from home while contributing to a significant manufacturing operation.
• Our client provides opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the supply chain field.
• This role supports our **Paarl, Western Cape** operations, ensuring their planning needs are met efficiently.