Production Planner and Packaging Buyer

Production Planner and Packaging Buyer

Based At: Paarden Eiland

Company Information: import and export seafood products 

Contract Type:

Permanent with 6-month probation.

Working Hours:

08:00 – 17:00 (Hours may fluctuate due to production/operational demands)

Job Purpose:

The Production Planner and Packaging Buyer is responsible for coordinating production schedules and purchasing packaging materials to ensure timely production and delivery of products. This role involves working closely with various departments, including production, sales, and logistics, to optimize inventory levels and meet customer demands.

Requirements:

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to effectively communicate with staff at all levels.
• Negotiation: Excellent negotiation skills.
• Personal Traits: Honesty, integrity, and reliability.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Critical Thinking: Critical thinking capabilities.
• Judgment: Ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making.
• Self-Motivation: Ability to work with little supervision and a willingness to learn.
• Multitasking: Strong ability to multitask.
• Adaptability: Open to change and learning new systems.
• Pressure Management: Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Time Management: Good time management skills.
• Overtime: Available to work overtime due to work demands.
• Work Standards: Above average work standard.
• Teamwork: Team player with a customer-focused mindset.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Education: Matric (Matriculation certificate).
• Tertiary Qualification: Relevant tertiary qualification advantageous.
• Systems Proficiency: Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• SAP Business 1: Advantageous.
• Lean Manufacturing: Experience with lean manufacturing principles advantageous.
• MRP Knowledge: Knowledge of material requirements planning (MRP) systems.

Experience Needed:

1 – 3 years relevant experience

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning:

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on demand forecasts, Production Request Notes (PRNs), and capacity constraints.
• Coordinate with production teams to ensure schedules are met and adjust plans as necessary (both in-house and outsourced manufacturing).
• Monitor production progress and address any issues that may arise.

Packaging Procurement:

• Identify and source packaging materials required for production.
• Negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best pricing and terms.
• Place orders for packaging materials and ensure timely delivery.
• Assist the Product Development team with packaging design, specifications, samples, and negotiations.

Inventory Management:

• Maintain optimal inventory levels of packaging materials to avoid shortages or overstock.
• Assist the Demand Planner to identify and expedite inter-warehouse stock transfers required to meet production requirements.
• Coordinate with cold store teams on regular inventory audits and reconcile discrepancies.

Supplier Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal production teams, packaging suppliers, and third-party manufacturing (CMT) service providers.
• Evaluate supplier performance and address any issues related to quality or delivery.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with demand planning, sales, production, and logistics teams to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss production and procurement strategies.
• Provide regular updates on production and procurement status to management.
• Maintain accurate and timely production and packaging reports.