Senior Production Planning Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Training programs

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Production Planning Manager for a hybrid role based in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead strategic planning initiatives, forecast demand, develop detailed production plans, and coordinate across supply chain, operations, and sales to meet targets.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical ability, extensive experience with APS software and ERP systems, and a deep understanding of food/agri-sector planning dynamics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in production planning, scheduling or supply chain with 3+ years in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop long- and short-term production plans and schedules.
• Analyze sales forecasts and market demand to ensure capacity.
• Optimize inventory for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Coordinate with procurement, operations and logistics for materials.
• Monitor performance and implement corrective actions.
• Utilize APS software and ERP systems for planning.
• Identify process improvements in planning and scheduling.
• Align production with promotions and new product launches.
• Prepare reports on planning metrics, inventory and forecasts.
• Lead and develop a team of production planners.

Skills

Leadership

Forecasting

Analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

APS software

Demand planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading producer of high-value agricultural products, is seeking a Senior Production Planning Manager to lead their strategic planning initiatives. This critical role focuses on optimizing production schedules, managing inventory levels, and ensuring the efficient flow of goods to meet market demand. The position requires a hybrid approach, blending on-site collaboration at their facility in Paarl, Western Cape, with remote work flexibility. You will be responsible for forecasting demand, developing detailed production plans, and coordinating with supply chain, operations, and sales teams to achieve production targets. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, extensive experience with production planning software, and a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics within the food and beverage or related sectors. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned planner to drive efficiency and strategic decision-making in a key South African agricultural hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage long-term and short-term production plans and schedules.
• Analyze sales forecasts and market demand to ensure adequate production capacity.
• Optimize inventory levels for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Coordinate with procurement, operations, and logistics teams to ensure timely material availability and product delivery.
• Monitor production performance against plans and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Utilize advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software and ERP systems.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in planning and scheduling.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing to align production with promotional activities and new product launches.
• Prepare reports on production planning metrics, inventory status, and forecasts.
• Manage and mentor a team of production planners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in production planning, scheduling, or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience with advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems and ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Strong understanding of demand forecasting, inventory management, and capacity planning principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote tasks with on-site presence.
• Experience in the food and beverage or agricultural products industry is a plus.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, retirement fund contributions, and opportunities for professional development.
• This hybrid role provides the benefit of flexible working arrangements, combining remote work with essential on-site collaboration in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Employees can also expect performance-based bonuses and access to ongoing training programs to foster career growth.