Production Planner_Amanzimtoti

Job Summary:
My client a leading manufacturer of personal care products. The Production Planner/Scheduler will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient production of our products by coordinating both filling production and bulk manufacturing schedules. This position requires strong analytical skills, a keen understanding of supply chain operations, great attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• My client is part of a very successful international FMCG Group with an extensive global footprint;
• It is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to join a young and dynamic management team where the company's brands compete and often beat large multi-national competitors in the various categories in which we operate.
• The chance to join a business that continues to deliver double digit growth each year and is now also expanding internationally.
• My client is passionate about their business and their people, where you will be challenged and will grow as an individual, both personally and professionally.
• A place where you live out your values and what is important on a day-to-day basis, namely: Integrity, Relentless pursuit of excellence, Passion and commitment, People and Fun.

Roles & Responsibilities:
The core responsibilities of the Production Planner/Scheduler include, but are not limited to:

• Production Planning & Scheduling: Develop, plan, and schedule weekly production plans for both filling production and bulk manufacturing to meet customer demand and production targets.
• Raw Materials & Packaging Management: Ensure timely availability of all required raw materials and packaging materials, maintaining accurate inventory levels for uninterrupted production.
• Staffing & Overtime Management: Assess and manage staffing levels, and oversee overtime costs to ensure production stays within budget while meeting demand.
• Reporting & Communication: Provide detailed reports on production status, progress, and any issues that arise. Communicate effectively with upper management regarding production challenges and solutions.
• Problem Resolution: Handle production disruptions, supply chain issues, and productivity problems to maintain operational efficiency.
• Productivity Improvement: Assist in identifying areas for improvement in production processes and help implement initiatives to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
• Demand/Supply Analysis: Analyse actual orders and forecast trends to anticipate changes in production requirements, ensuring an adaptive and responsive production strategy.
  • Inventory & Stock Management: Generate weekly reports on out-of-stock, stock on hand, product availability, and inventory status, including weekly infill reports.
  • Special Projects: Assist in the production management of special product ranges such as seasonal gifting projects, including the annual Christmas gifting range.
  • Production Trackers & New Launches: Update and maintain production trackers, including those for product run-downs and new product launches.
  • Export Production: Support the planning and scheduling of export orders, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with international requirements.
  • Change Management: Assist with change management processes related to production procedures, ensuring smooth transitions during operational adjustments.
  • Bill of Materials & Stock Code Maintenance: Help maintain accurate bills of materials and stock codes, ensuring effective product traceability and changeovers.
  • Daily Production Meetings: Lead and run daily morning production meetings, ensuring all departments are aligned on production goals, updates, and issues.
  • Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Liaise with internal teams such as Marketing, R&D, Procurement, Warehousing, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Distribution to ensure consistent alignment across departments.

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant BCom degree or equivalent qualification.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in Production Planning or Scheduling, preferably in the FMCG sector.
• Proficiency with ERP & MRP systems (experience with Syspro is an advantage).
• Advance excel skills
• A strong understanding of the personal care products manufacturing process and supply chain dynamics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills and business acumen, with a keen eye for identifying and resolving production inefficiencies.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the personal care or cosmetics manufacturing sector.
• Familiarity with production scheduling tools and techniques.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to process optimization.

Remuneration:

• CTC monthly dependent on experience
• Group Risk Benefit and gap cover
• 13th and 14th cheque based on achievement of the annual business and personal targets.

Please note: Candidates will only be interviewed upon successful completion of a numeracy assessment.

You will also be required to complete a MS Excel competency and logical reasoning assessment.