The production planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and executing optimized production schedules that balance demand, capacity, and inventory targets in a fast-paced FMCG environment. This role ensures the seamless flow of materials and finished goods through the supply chain, delivering high service levels while minimizing waste, costs, and operational risk.

1.    Production Planning & Scheduling
o    Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production plans aligned with demand forecasts, capacity constraints, and inventory policies.
o    Optimise sequencing to minimise changeovers, downtime, and material waste.

2.    Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
o    Adjust plans proactively in response to demand fluctuations, supply disruptions, or operational constraints.
o    Run and analyse MRP to ensure timely availability of raw and packaging materials.
o    Collaborate with procurement to manage lead times, MOQ constraints, and supplier performance.
o    Maintain accurate master data to ensure planning system integrity.

3.    Demand & Forecast Integration
o    Translate statistical forecasts and commercial inputs into executable production schedules.
o    Incorporate promotional, seasonal, and new product launch requirements into plans.
o    Monitor forecast accuracy and drive continuous improvement in planning processes.

4.    Inventory & Service Level Management
o    Balance service level targets with working capital objectives.
o    Monitor and manage safety stock levels to prevent stock-outs or excess inventory.
o    Track and report on OTIF, plan adherence, and inventory turns.

5.    Cross-Functional Collaboration
o    Work closely with sales, marketing, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics teams to align plans and resolve constraints.
o    Participate in S&OP cycles, providing capacity and supply insights.
o    Communicate plan changes and risks clearly to stakeholders.

6.    Continuous Improvement
o    Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to improve planning accuracy, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.
o    Lead or support projects to migrate manual processes into ERP-driven workflows.
o    Conduct root cause analysis for recurring planning or supply issues.

 

Skills
•    Production Scheduling & Capacity Planning,
•    Advanced ERP Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
•    Data-Driven Decision Making
•    Deep working knowledge of SAP
•    Proficiency in finite capacity scheduling and sequencing to minimize changeovers and downtime
•    Sequencing production to reduce downtime and material waste
•    Using tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone, and Pareto to resolve recurring issues
•    Balancing service levels with manufacturing and logistics costs
•    Knowing when to prioritise certain SKUs, customers, or channels in constrained situations
•    Calm Under Pressure
•    Proactive Communication
•    Detail Orientation with Big-Picture Thinking
Knowledge
•    End-to-End Supply Chain Flow
•    MRP & ERP Logic
•    Capacity & Constraint Management
•    Forecast Interpretation
•    KPI Frameworks
•    Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
•    Lean Manufacturing Principles
•    Scenario Planning
•    Root Cause Analysis Tools
•    Cost Implications of Planning Decisions

 

Experience
•    5 years in FMCG manufacturing (preferably in high-volume, multi-SKU environments such as personal care, or household goods).
•    ERP Super-User Level
•    Advanced Excel & Power BI