Junior Production Planner

Junior Production Planner

Report to: Operations
Seniority Level: Mid-Career (2 - 4 yrs exp)
Sectors: Manufacturing

Purpose of the Role

To support the production planning function by assisting with scheduling, job card preparation, coordinating production requirements, and ensuring production runs smoothly in line with delivery targets and foundry/manufacturing capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with daily and weekly production scheduling and planning
• Capture and update production plans on systems/spreadsheets
• Issue and track job cards and work orders
• Liaise with production supervisors to confirm priorities and progress
• Monitor material availability and assist with stock coordination
• Assist with planning of moulding, casting, fettling and finishing processes (where applicable)
• Track production outputs and report on delays or bottlenecks
• Support quality and technical teams by ensuring correct drawings/specs are issued
• Maintain planning documentation and ensure records are accurate
• Assist with coordinating outsourced processes (if applicable)
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in production flow

Minimum Requirements

• Matric (Grade 12)
• Basic computer literacy (MS Excel, email, and reporting)
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a production environment

Preference (Advantage)

• Experience in a foundry or manufacturing/fabrication environment
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Exposure to production planning/scheduling principles
• Technical qualification (N3 / Mechanical / Production related) is beneficial

Key Competencies

• Planning and coordination skills
• Problem-solving mindset
• Strong communication and teamwork
• High accuracy and time management
• Willingness to learn and grow into a senior planning role