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