Production Planner

**Introduction**

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Responsible to support the planning and smooth running of production - and packing processes both inside the Plant as well as the Outsource suppliers, by ensuring that all relevant bulk components are sourced and imported from other countries, ensuring the components are available at the correct time, in the correct quantities and at the specified quality level. The requirement covers both the short term and long-term Marketing forecasts.
- In the event of having to source and import a Finished Good Product, it is essential that the incumbent source and import the item to be available at a specific time, in the correct quantity and at the specified quality level, ready for the Sales Force to purchase.
- The incumbent is responsible for all export enquiries that is sent, to ensure that the enquiry is discussed with the Planning Manager and relevant teams and the necessary feedback given to the importing country in a timeous and effective manner.
- If the export enquiry is accepted, and a PO placed, it is the responsibility of the Planner to follow up weekly on the status of the order and give updates to the Importing country.
- Review and approve Marketing and Incentives future promotional plans with forecasts that are loaded on the TRS system for all fully imported Finished Goods items.
- Liaise with other countries Worldwide, enquiring about the importing of either bulk or Finished Goods, ensuring that you work through TPAG, indicating the quantity and the time at which the goods will need to be available in the Plant.
- Ensure that the Exporting country provide you with the best Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) dates, which will determine the mode of transport that will be used as well as an item code and prices.
- Liaise with the relevant Freight Forwarder, asking for a freight quote after which the relevant costs must be supplied to the Finance team, who in turn must work out a landed cost for you.
- Present cost to Marketing for approval. In the event of approval, ensure product codes are loaded in JDE to place PO on the Exporting country and follow up on departure dates to ensure on time arrival in SAF.
- Handle all relevant import documentation and hand over to the SAF Freight Forwarder to ensure pre-clearance of stock is done prior to arrival in SAF harbor. Track shipment until on time and in full arrival in the SAF Plant and stock is available for either further production and/or sales to continue.
- Participate in daily and weekly operational reviews and trend reviews to provide teams with import status updates.
- Participate in bi-weekly reviews with the Marketing team to provide production planning & import status updates.
- Open and clear communication with all colleagues and Marketing & Incentives teams are crucial.
- You will be added to the relevant Plant/Operational Whatsapp groups that will be applicable to you and request that you periodically check for any concerns regarding your area of responsibility that might be reported on the groups and respond to any challenges reported. This will not just be applicable for your normal contractual hours due to the Plant being operational 24/7, 7 days a week.
- Assist other Planning team members with internal planning and inventory control.

**Desired Experience & Qualification**

**Education And Experience**
- Minimum National Diploma in Supply Chain or Logistics Management.
- Proven experience in production planning environment. (2-3 years minimum)
- Computer literacy at intermediate level of competence in MS Office/ JDE or other ERP systems.
- Experience in Plastic Injection molding manufacturing would be preferred.

**Competencies Required**
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Mathematical skills, especially in area of statistics.
- Excellent analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Pay attention to detail.
- Action orientated and full of energy to address challenges.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Stress Management skills are essential.
- Decisiveness.
- Ability to function productively with others.