Job Description

Job Title: Production Planner
Location: Maitland, Cape Town
Salary: R31,000 per month
About the Position
This position is critical to ensuring seamless service delivery and production efficiency. The successful candidate will report directly to the Senior Production Planner and the Manufacturing Executive, who oversee the department's performance. Due to the resignation of the previous incumbent, this vacancy is urgent and requires a quick learner capable of multitasking effectively in a high-pressure environment.
Preference will be given to candidates based in Cape Town or willing to relocate.
Educational Requirements

• Minimum: Grade 12 (Matric)
• Advantageous: National Diploma/Degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent qualification

Experience Required

• 5 -10 years production experience in a manufacturing environment

Languages

• Proficiency in English and Afrikaans

Job Objectives

• Assist the Senior Production Planner in preparing and implementing the production plan.
• Develop and manage daily production schedules based on the overall production plan.
• Verify Material Requirements Planning (MRP) outputs and take appropriate actions regarding raw materials and component manufacturing.
• Act as the SAP custodian for the production function.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Convert material requirement plans into production orders and close orders upon completion.
• Liaise across departments, including production control, manufacturing, engineering, and sales.
• Monitor Work in Progress (WIP) to track job completion status and identify additional requirements.
• Coordinate activities related to rework, reject production orders, subcontracts, customer returns, and R&D projects.
• Manage logistics and facilitate customer deliveries.
• Oversee stock take meetings and ensure accuracy in stock take conversion factor reports.
• Track and replenish Customer Furnished Items (CFI).
• Identify and report variances in MRP after material requisitions are created.

Support Tasks/Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing the overall production plan.
• Generate stock availability reports and create purchase requisitions (PR).
• Support team members with general SAP queries and ensure process adherence.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Prevent critical production stoppages caused by planning errors.
• Maintain an On Time in Full (OTIF) customer delivery rate of above 90%.
• Ensure adherence to SAP processes by team members.
• Enhance capacity utilization.
• Ensure stock take accuracy through effective planning.
• Standardize tasks and processes to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to the production plan.

Interpersonal Skills/Values

• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Effective decision-making and results-oriented mindset
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Competence in handling and resolving conflicts
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure work environment

Competencies, Knowledge, and Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and MS Project)
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and processes
• Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP) and other company-specific systems
• Familiarity with the companys manufactured products and employed technologies
• Continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to drive innovation and change
• Strong customer service ethic and attention to detail
• Administrative, planning, and organizational skills with a focus on accuracy
• Capability to ask probing questions to uncover root causes of issues
• Mentoring, coaching, and team management skills