PRODUCTION PLANNER (Food Manufacturing)

Contact person for this position:

Rayleen Lentz

rayleen@joblinkplacement.co.za

We are a specialised food manufacturer of private-label perishable and shelf-stable foods. We have a national footprint, supplying products daily into central DCs for despatch around the country. We are a medium-sized business with a strong growth trajectory. We are seeking a candidate with well-rounded experience in planning, procurement, and stock management.

Description of role:

We are seeking a Production Planner to organise production according to demand and quality standards. The candidate will be responsible for creating and managing production schedules to ensure efficient manufacturing operations.

An excellent production planner is well-versed in production procedures and ways to optimise them. They are organised and results-driven with great problem-solving skills. Advanced communication and computer skills are highly valuable for this role.

The goal is to ensure the smooth and cost-efficient flow of our production operations.

Key areas of responsibility:

Developing and Maintaining Production Schedules:

• Creating and adjusting production plans based on demand forecasts, inventory levels, and resource availability.
• Forecasting future needs relative to output and resource allocation.

Managing Inventory:

• Ensuring optimal stock levels of packaging and finished goods to prevent shortages or excess inventory.

Coordinating Production Operations:

• Collaborating with procurement, manufacturing, and logistics teams to align production with plans, budgets, and schedules.

Monitoring Production Processes:

• Tracking progress, identifying potential bottlenecks, and troubleshooting issues to minimise delays.

Optimising Production Efficiency:

• Identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

Reporting on Production Status:

• Track output information (number of finished products, percentage of defectives, etc.)
• Preparing and presenting performance reports to management, highlighting key metrics and areas for improvement.

Ensuring Compliance:

• Adhering to safety regulations, quality standards, and other relevant guidelines.

Requirements and skills

• Proven experience as a production planner.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
• Experience in Manufacturing resource planning.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent in MS Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data extraction and formatting).
• Knowledge of MRP systems would be useful.

Relevant education and experience level

• Tertiary qualification in production planning, supply chain management, or a related field.
• Candidates without a tertiary qualification will also be considered if they have experience in a similar role.

Personal attributes

• Results-oriented and deadline-driven.
• Decisive and action oriented.
• Leads by example, sharing company culture and values.
• Principled, organised and conscientious.
• A relatable, collaborative approach to problem-solving and teamwork.

Reporting

• The incumbent would report to the Finance Manager.
• The position is based in Cape Town.