Production Planner

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Scheduling

The successful candidate will:

• Develop, maintain and communicate production plans in alignment with business requirements and macro production plans.
• Coordinate production schedules to ensure optimal utilisation of plant capacity, labour and resources.
• Monitor and report production performance, including OTIF (On Time In Full) performance.
• Manage customer order commitments and balance commercial requirements with manufacturing capacity.
• Resolve scheduling conflicts and production constraints in collaboration with Production and Commercial teams.

Material & Inventory Planning

The incumbent will:

• Coordinate raw material and packaging requirements with Procurement and Commercial teams.
• Implement material requirement planning activities and authorise order release schedules.
• Manage stock transfers, stockholding requirements and packaging inventories.
• Participate in stocktakes, investigate variances and maintain stock control across designated warehouses.
• Contribute to optimal inventory management and strategic stockholding initiatives.

Toll Manufacturing & Outsourced Services

Responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the primary operational contact for toll manufacturing customers.
• Managing production requirements for external toll manufacturing activities.
• Preparing quotations and maintaining customer service levels for toll manufacturing clients.
• Coordinating outsourced packing activities and ensuring effective stock control and reconciliations.

Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

The successful candidate will:

• Generate and manage production job cards.
• Create stock codes and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Coordinate monthly MRP meetings and support supply planning processes.
• Respond to product availability queries from key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, stock management and operational effectiveness.

Leadership, SHEQ & Governance

The incumbent will:

• Ensure compliance with SHEQ standards, policies and certification requirements.
• Participate in audits and drive the closure of non-conformance actions.
• Promote a strong safety culture through compliance and proactive reporting practices.
• Support employee development, performance management and labour optimisation where applicable.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with company policies and governance requirements.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 with Mathematics.
• A tertiary qualification in Production Planning, Supply Chain Management or a related field.
• A Supervisory or Management qualification will be advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 3 to 5 years' post-graduate experience in a similar planning role within an agricultural or chemical manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory or management experience will be advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong planning, scheduling and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) experience.
• Working knowledge of Syspro, SAP or similar MRP systems within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organisational abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills and overall Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Knowledge of SHEQ systems, quality procedures and applicable safety legislation.
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transport.

Key Competencies

• Safety Awareness
• Planning and Organising
• Work Management and Standards
• Analysing and Problem Solving
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Presenting and Communicating Information
• Working with People
• Leading and Supervising
• Adapting and Responding to Change
• Coping with Pressures and Setbacks

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the efficiency and success of a complex manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will join a high-performing operations team where strategic thinking, operational excellence and customer focus are highly valued. The role provides broad exposure across production planning, inventory management, customer engagement and operational optimisation, making it an excellent opportunity for a professional seeking both challenge and career growth.