Production Planner

Overview:

Our Client  is seeking an experienced Production Planner to join their dynamic team. This pivotal FIXED TERM CONTRACT role offers end-to-end supply chain exposure—from raw material procurement and production planning to customer delivery coordination. Operating in a fast-paced environment with frequent new product introductions, the ideal candidate will be highly adaptable, detail-oriented, and skilled in SAP and supply chain operations.

The Role

The Production Planner is responsible for the plant production planning, raw material procurement plan and shipment scheduling. This role will have the opportunity to work throughout the entire supply chain from procuring raw materials, to production planning, and finally interfacing with customers on delivery and forecasting of materials. This position will provide a detailed production schedule at the plant and work directly with corporate purchasing and raw material suppliers to stream line raw material procurement. This role works in a dynamic environment created by frequent new product introductions, so the ability to react and adapt to change is critical.

Key Responsibilities

• Works independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision, to complete job related tasks and projects in a safe, compliant and efficient manner.
• Ensure timely and accurate response to customer’s forecast and orders by providing the required information, schedules, materials and accurate systems to the manufacturing unit.
• Manage capacity and present to team scenario planning when capacity constrained
• Responsible for the integration of sales forecasts, budgets raw, in-process, and finished goods inventory.
• Work with corporate purchasing to order raw materials per customer forecast and work closely with project managers and technical services to manage the RFQ process during development stage of products.
• Work with GSM group to input purchase orders while adhering to audit-required processes
• Create purchase orders while managing info records and getting bid variance approval when required
• Work with suppliers to understand shipping terms, material cost, quoted delivery times and to improve delivery lead times.
• Work with carriers to allocate correct freight invoices to incoming shipments
• Manage incoming invoices as result of purchased materials and ensure invoices are reviewed and sent to Accounts Payable for payment as needed
• Support Finance-related questions to help determine batch value based on raw material cost
• Develop metrics and reports that enable business analysis of inventory health and help drive action to improve it
• Manage Raw Material supply pipeline by ensuring DOH is managed effectively to avoid purchasing obsolete inventory
• Lead or participate in a cross-functional team to ensure proper implementation of MRP in order to more effectively manage RM and FG inventory pipeline
• Support SAP new part request for frequent introduction of new materials and products.
• Forecast RM needs to key suppliers
• Identify continuous improvement initiatives including but not limited to reducing inventory levels, material flow and reducing ship cycle times
• Develop and review supplier scorecard for feedback on supplier performance; participate in semi-annual meetings to review this information with supplier
• Work closely with purchasing team to identify and rectify supply risks (sole-sourced materials, poor supply performance, etc.)
• Ensure all waste is disposed of in accordance with licencing requirements, including proper segregation and storage of waste.
• Advocate for environmental, health and safety compliance. Ensures production operations are completed in accordance with environmental health and safety and quality compliance at all times, and in line with Company procedures, statutory, regulatory and operating licence requirements.
• Works as part of a cross functional team to deliver new product or processes, resolve issues, implement change and other site initiatives.
• Cleans and maintains work areas and ancillary areas, plant and equipment to the highest standards at all times.
• Fully engages in programmes such as Continuous Improvement, Total Productive and Maintenance (TPM), 5S, Lean, Six Sigma, Total Quality, Self-directed Teams etc.
• Attend and complete all training and development as requested and ensure training compliance at all times.
• Lead and or participate in process, quality and safety, inspections, audits, deviation investigations, HAZOP’s, change management, root cause analysis and development of solutions.
• Any other duties or responsibilities relevant to the role of Production Planner Scheduler.

Education, Knowledge & Experience

• Degree or other relevant qualification is preferred, ideally holds APICS certification.
• Minimum 5 experience in a production planning, material planning and/or supply chain planning role, ideally in a chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Knowledge of regulatory and legislative requirements (environmental, health and safety, and quality and employment law).
• High level computer proficient for example, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP etc.
• Experience in operational excellence, continuous improvement, lean, six-sigma certified, project management, change management would be an advantage.
• Must hold a full driving licence.

Skills & Behaviours

• Adheres to all site and corporate procedures.
• Excellent level of attendance and punctuality is required.
• Good work ethic and ability to meet assigned tasks, responsibilities, objectives and timelines.
• Excellent organisation and time management; is organised and can prioritise business demands.
• Maintains good working relationships with all colleagues, and treats colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Communication: excellent listening, written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal skills (ability to communicate effectively at all levels and provide clear direction).
• Attention to detail and high level of reporting accuracy with respect to all aspects of the role.
• Proactive, self-starter, positive attitude, flexible and open to change, willingness to learn and take on additional responsibilities.
• Exercises discretion and confidentiality at all times, in relation to all Company and commercial matters.
• Strong problem solving, creative thinking and analytical skills.
• Methodical and structured approach to decision making.
• Support change
• Advocate compliance and safety culture on the site.
• Teamwork: works collaboratively with peers and colleagues to deliver business objectives.