Senior Production Planner

Saab Grintek Defence (Pty) Ltd; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Saab Grintek Defence (Pty) Ltd is seeking a Senior Production Planner to ensure a steady flow of materials aligned with production schedules. You will coordinate multiple activities to meet delivery dates, release kits on time, and promptly address shortages to keep WIP balanced.

The role requires extensive experience in electronics manufacturing, strong MRP/ERP knowledge, and the ability to manage complex planning processes while upholding regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in electronics manufacturing/repair within Supply Chain, MRP and Master Scheduling.
• APICS certification/qualification with Supply Chain experience.
• Proven understanding of MRP, and ability to adjust MPS impacts on material planners.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate flow of work to meet delivery due dates.
• Ensure kits are released in time and materials are available.
• Expedite shortages from procurement and reschedule shop orders.
• Maintain live production tracking and visibility of risks.
• Generate reports on progress and downtime due to delays.
• Establish priorities for work centers and monitor weekly delivery targets.
• Assist in ensuring replacement material is available without delays.
• Comply with regulations and use IFS to support manufacturing/repair activities.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Operations management/Production planning qualification

APICS certification

Tools

ERP/MRP

IFS ERP

Job description

SENIOR PRODUCTION PLANNER

The role is responsible for ensuring a steady flow and supply of materials which are planned in line with production schedules in order to meet both internal and external customer requirements. This involves co‑ordination and planning of numerous activities to ensure that delivery due dates are met.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate flow of work within or between departments of manufacturing/repair to meet LRU/SRU delivery due dates
• Ensure that manufacturing/repair kits are released timeously
• Expedite component shortages from procurement and schedule shop order dates accordingly
• Follow up until all kits are complete with no shortages and communicate all shortages with manufacturing/repair so that there is complete visibility for planning purposes
• Ensure live production tracking regarding material availability and risks associated with possible delays
• Compile reports concerning progress of work and downtime due to failures and manufacturing/repair delays
• Establish priorities through scheduling for specific work centres
• Set weekly targets for delivery and monitor progress.
• Escalate where necessary
• Support manufacturing/repair by ensuring that replacement material or any other material that is required is available without delays
• Ensure effective management and implementation of the Engineering Change Order, acting quickly on them and ensure that ERP are brought back into a balanced state with regards to WIP, Stock and structure integrity.
• Ensure that MRP action messages are verified and actioned accordingly
• Participate and contribute to all NCR’s which require effective resolution and closure
• Assist in determining the manufacturing/repair dossier for completeness and build status.
• Perform shop order maintenance and transactions (stock movement, action messages and actualisation).
• Where possible, ensure that shop order quantities are aligned to standard lot sizes to minimise variances
• Understand and minimise Rand value variances on all shop orders, where possible
• Ensure adherence to the repair process in line with all regulations and requirements
• Effective use and understanding of IFS in order to support all manufacturing/repair related activities
• Carry out all duties and responsibilities in line with processes and procedures
• Ensure adherence to ESD, IPC, FAA, EASA and other regulations and requirements
• Provide inputs during the development process regarding testability and usability of manufacturing/repair equipment, the assembly of new development items and existing specifications
• Carry out all legal instructions from Supply Chain line management

Required Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in an Electronics Manufacturing and repair environment within Supply Chain, MRP and Master Scheduling
• ERP/MRP/PDM knowledge
• Possess knowledge of production planning and MRP, clearly understand the process or loading and changing the MPS, along with the impact on MRP and Material planners
• Clear understanding of material liability agreement that is contractually in place
• Knowledge of Supply Chain process and the impact of schedule changes
• Advanced computer skills, with emphasis on spreadsheet software package.
• Exceptional interpersonal/ written communication skills; can effectively interact with all levels of management
• Organizational and problem‑solving skills required
• Proven experience with complex planning, forecasting and product lifecycles programs
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and Supply Chain Management
• Experience in material planning, inventory management, purchasing, or a related position

Required Competencies and Skills

• Strong project management skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Process Flow
• Manufacturing Processes
• Materials Flow
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Self‑motivated and takes initiative
• Takes ownership and accountability for assigned tasks
• Honest, reliable, and acts with integrity
• Works well with colleagues and stakeholders
• Strong problem solving, negotiations and people skills
• Ability to effectively and professionally work under pressure in a team‑oriented environment with frequent changes in deadlines and priorities
• Team player, who will be able to work well across business operations and develop strong business teams
• Demonstrate ability to influence teams and programs regarding quality, productivity and/or customer service
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills and the ability to influence decisions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Embodies the Saab values of Drive, Trust, Expertise and Dedication

Required Qualifications

• An applicable tertiary qualification in Operations Management and/or Production Planning or equivalent
• APICS certification/qualification with Supply Chain experience

What you will be a part of

SGD has reinforced its position as a leading South African defence and security company, bringing capabilities including electronic warfare systems, sensor technology, training systems, avionics, security and support solutions to the African and international markets. These capabilities are supplied and supported over the air, land, sea and civil security domains. With new and improved technological systems and solutions, SGD increases a country’s defence capabilities and provides innovative, effective products and services for those tasked to maintain security.

The company also works with various stakeholders in gathering data and providing insight into how security threats evolve, and what the best market‑customised solutions are.

If you aspire to help create and innovate whilst developing yourself in a challenging team setting, Saab may well have the perfect conditions for you to grow. We pride ourselves on a nurturing environment, where everyone is different, yet we share the same goal – to help protect people.

SGD will give preference to South African citizens and we also welcome applications from individuals with culturally diverse backgrounds.

Please consider your application as unsuccessful if you have not received feedback from us within 30 days after the closing date.

At Saab, you'll be empowered to make a real difference. Join colleagues worldwide who share one purpose – keeping people and society safe through innovative defence and security solutions.

What makes that difference possible? You. We're a global leader in air, land and naval defence, civil security and commercial aeronautics, with approximately 28,000 employees across all continents. Our transformative approach combines deep expertise with continuous innovation – investing one-fifth of our earnings in research and development to solve tomorrow's challenges today. But technology alone doesn't create safety. Your perspective, your skills, your contribution – that's what transforms possibility into reality. Here, diversity strengthens everything we do. You'll find unlimited opportunities to advance your career whilst maintaining balance in your life beyond work. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment where every person can fully focus on what matters.

Saab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer – all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran or disability status.