Production Planner

An exciting opportunity awaits an experienced and results-driven Production Planner to make a meaningful impact within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment. This pivotal role is responsible for driving operational efficiency and optimising end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain performance across production planning and scheduling, demand forecasting, inventory and warehouse management, procurement, and continuous improvement

The successful candidate will play a key role in aligning production requirements with business demand, ensuring the timely availability of materials, maintaining optimal stock levels, and maximising resource utilisation. With a strong focus on efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement, this role is ideal for a strategic thinker who can navigate complex planning challenges, lead cross-functional collaboration, and ensure production objectives are consistently achieved

Key Responsibilities
•    Develop, coordinate, and maintain short- and long-term production plans to meet business demand
•    Use SAP or other ERP systems to manage production schedules, inventory, and material requirements
•    Monitor production plan adherence, capacity utilisation, and key performance indicators (KPIs)
•    Identify and resolve production constraints, scheduling challenges, and operational inefficiencies
•    Ensure the timely availability of raw materials, packaging, and other production components
•    Monitor inventory levels and implement effective stock management practices to minimise excess stock, shortages, and write-offs
•    Oversee warehouse operations, stock movements, and inventory control processes
•    Coordinate demand forecasting, procurement, and supplier activities
•    Prepare and present regular production, inventory, and performance reports
•    Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, efficiency, and cost effectiveness
•    Collaborate with production, procurement, warehousing, finance, quality, and other relevant departments
•    Lead, coach, and support team members to achieve operational objectives
•    Ensure compliance with relevant quality, audit, inventory management, and internal control requirements

Minimum Requirements
•    Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Inventory Management, or a related field
•    Minimum of 5 years’ experience in production planning, manufacturing, inventory management, and/or supply chain roles within an FMCG environment
•    Experience with production planning and inventory management systems, preferably SAP
•    Demonstrated experience in production scheduling, demand forecasting, material planning, and inventory control
•    Experience with audits and inventory-related internal controls
•    Proven leadership and team management capabilities
•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organisational skills

Advantageous
•    APICS certification
•    Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
•    Experience with capacity planning, continuous improvement programmes, and manufacturing performance optimisation
•    Knowledge of manufacturing cost control, supplier management, and production efficiency metrics

Key Competencies
•    Production and supply chain planning
•    Inventory and warehouse management
•    Analytical thinking and problem-solving
•    Leadership, coaching, and team development
•    Strong communication and stakeholder management
•    Strategic planning and organisation
•    Continuous improvement and cost optimisation
•    Deadline-driven, proactive, and results-oriented approach