453 Production Planning jobs in South Africa

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you passionate about streamlining production processes and embracing digital transformation? We’re looking for a detail-oriented and forward-thinking individual to bridge the gap between production execution and digital planning. Starting with hands-on management of Production Work Orders in our ERP system (Acumatica), this role offers a unique opportunity to grow into a strategic planning position using cutting-edge APS (Advanced Planning & Scheduling) tools.

Job Purpose :

Bridge production execution with digital planning systems by initially managing and drafting Production Work Orders in Acumatica ERP, while progressively evolving into a strategic planning role leveraging an Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) system.

Responsibilities :

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Liaise with Production, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure smooth production transitions.
• Participate in planning meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in documentation and compliance efforts aligned with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100).

ERP System Administration (Acumatica):

• Create and manage Production Work Orders based on engineering BOMs and demand forecasts from the Master Scheduler.
• Ensure accurate inventory transactions and stock level updates through attentive Production Work Order management.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Stores to align material availability with production needs.
• Track production progress and maintain real-time data accuracy in the ERP system.

APS System Administration (Future Scope):

• Support the implementation and configuration of APS tools to enhance production planning.
• Assist in developing optimised production schedules based on capacity, material availability, and project deadlines.
• Assist in analysing planning scenarios to improve throughput and reduce lead times.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align planning with engineering changes and customer delivery requirements.

Collaboration and Support:

Help ensure accurate stock levels, efficient production workflows, and optimised resource allocation to support the on-time delivery of high-performance optical payloads for small satellites.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

Collaborate with the Production and Quality teams to implement process enhancements and increase efficiency

Required Qualifications :

Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Required Experience :

• Experience with ERP systems (preferably Acumatica) in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with APS concepts and tools (e.g., finite capacity scheduling, constraint-based planning).
• Familiarity with advanced scheduling tools and software to optimise production processes.
• Understanding of scheduling principles, including lead times, critical path and dependencies.
• Ability to balance team workloads, avoid bottlenecks, and ensure optimal use of available resources
• Understanding how material availability and inventory levels affect production schedules and delivery commitments.
• Ability to analyse system data and reports to identify trends, anticipate disruptions, and recommend proactive solutions
• Skill in identifying scheduling risks and developing contingency plans.
• Ability to generate clear, actionable reports and communicate scheduling status and risks to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) and/or similar analytical tools for schedule data manipulation.

Recommendations:

• B- degree or Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with ERP systems like Acumatica to gather relevant production, materials, order data, reporting, etc.
• Experience working with APS systems to gather relevant schedule and planning data for improved efficiency and reporting.
• Experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment specialising in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing will be highly advantageous.
• Experience in aerospace or high-tech manufacturing is advantageous.

What we offer :

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter.

- Develop and manage the product portfolio, ensuring alignment with market & distributor needs, and company strategy.

- Plan monthly and promotional campaigns across the direct selling channel across the different markets the client is operating in.

- Pricing: responsible for price setting, developing and driving pricing strategies to maximise sales and profitability.

- Track and analyse campaign performance and where applicable, identify areas of improvements.

- Instrumental in reviewing and selecting product ordering from the client's plants globally.

- Collaborate with digital and content team on the themes and selling tools for distributors and Salesforce.

- Prepare monthly postmortem plans to analyse the performance of a campaign.
- Measure and analyse product and campaign performance, providing recommendations for improvement.

- Communicate and collaborate with cross functional teams and stakeholders within the organisation.

- Deliver campaigns that deliver operating profit.

- Lead demand planning and product forecasting in collaboration with supply chain.

- Track sales performance, highlighting risks and opportunities for product categories.

- Effective management of excess stock tracking performance of plans/products and make plans for excess stock.

- Creative: Work with the creative team in conceptualizing company marketing materials for direct selling channel.

- Distributor queries: effectively handle and resolve Distributor queries pertaining to product promotions.

- Partner with Sales team to work on monthly launches, product training material to support Distributors and Sales Force.

- Reporting and presentations: present monthly campaign sign offs and weekly sales updates to the team.

- Ensure pricing can be finalised within required timelines and campaign product codes and images are loaded.

Requirements

- Bachelors degree in Marketing, Business Management or related field.

- 5+ years product planning experience

- Direct selling experience a prerequisite.

- Able to display perseverance, resilience, and the required energy to achieve objectives and outputs.

- Able to initiate action spontaneously without being urged to do so.

- Ability to develop new ideas and to create new concepts and solutions to problems.

- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data into actionable strategies.

- Well-developed computer skills and experience (MS Word; Excel; Power Point).

- Well-developed planning and organizing abilities, systematic with high level of attention to detail

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Creativity and storytelling ability in product positioning.

Company Description

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

Job Description

The Production Planning Manager / 2IC has the overall responsibility for the planning of samples through the processes and client communication of the laboratory at the Orkney site. Through continuous improvement and optimize the utilization of the laboratory's throughput according to client's requirements. Ensure that the overall production for the Geochem facility under his / her control is achieved.

• Plan and prioritize a production schedule for the jobs/projects in according with lab capability and client requirements.
• Implement and control the production schedule.
• Review and adjust the schedule where needed.
• Where possible, do forecasting and planning for upcoming projects or changes in scope for existing projects. Communicate these finding to senior management team.
• Ensure efficient collaboration and co-ordination between relevant departments including procurement, human resources and management.

• In conjunction with Section Manager and/or Laboratory Manager:

• Formulate changes, improve workflow and maximum utilization of resources in the departments.

• Monitor effective utilization and supervision of human resources within the department/s, including training, recruitment and discipline.
• Assist with decisions making about equipment use, maintenance, modification and procurement to ensure production targets can be met.

• Direct communication with clients daily on:

• Status updates on new and existing projects.

• Re-negotiating timelines or schedules as necessary.

• Prepare and maintain production reports

• Monitor and review the performance of staff and organize necessary interventions for improvement on production targets
• Ensure implementation and adherence to health and safety procedures
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Qualifications

Education

• Minimum BSc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or at least 10 years' experience in an Analytical Lab.
• Minimum of 5 years' solid management experience,
• Qualification in Business improvement initiatives will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years' experience in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Familiar with SGS analytical practices
• Minimum 5 years' experience in customer relationship management
• Strong knowledge of SLIM
• Previous experience in production planning will be an added advantage.
• Previous analytical and technical laboratory experience an advantage
• Good knowledge of ISO17025 requirements

Additional Information

Required Skills:

• Good co- ordination and proven management skills.
• Advanced level of competency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), to perform word processing, spreadsheet database tracking data and written client communications.
• Statistical evaluation techniques advantageous
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight timelines.
• Ability to prioritize activities and be flexible to adjust to a variety of situations.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with various departments and levels of staff.
• Possesses excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills - Must be fluent in English.
• Possesses strong teamwork and project management skills.
• Results oriented with a strong performance, cost management, and bottom-line orientation
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to depersonalize situations and focus on the business objectives.
• Energy to motivate a team to always deliver results;
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously;
• Is innovative with a systematic approach for problem solving;
• Acts quickly and decisively; able to make tough calls;
• Holds self and others accountable

Compliance and Authority

• Utilize company resources in accordance with SGS procedures.
• Initiate changes on material and human resources, where and when needed to ensure production targets are met.
• Liaise directly with clients on status of projects, methods, queries, complaints and costs
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without necessary knowledge and protection, and take action to address the hazard.
• Cease to carry out work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and take action to address the issue.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Implementation and maintenance of the quality system.

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you passionate about streamlining production processes and embracing digital transformation? We're looking for a detail-oriented and forward-thinking individual to bridge the gap between production execution and digital planning. Starting with hands-on management of Production Work Orders in our ERP system (Acumatica), this role offers a unique opportunity to grow into a strategic planning position using cutting-edge APS (Advanced Planning & Scheduling) tools.

Job Purpose:

Bridge production execution with digital planning systems by initially managing and drafting Production Work Orders in Acumatica ERP, while progressively evolving into a strategic planning role leveraging an Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) system.

Responsibilities:

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Liaise with Production, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to ensure smooth production transitions.
• Participate in planning meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in documentation and compliance efforts aligned with aerospace standards (e.g., AS9100).

ERP System Administration (Acumatica):

• Create and manage Production Work Orders based on engineering BOMs and demand forecasts from the Master Scheduler.
• Ensure accurate inventory transactions and stock level updates through attentive Production Work Order management.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain and Stores to align material availability with production needs.
• Track production progress and maintain real-time data accuracy in the ERP system.

APS System Administration (Future Scope):

• Support the implementation and configuration of APS tools to enhance production planning.
• Assist in developing optimised production schedules based on capacity, material availability, and project deadlines.
• Assist in analysing planning scenarios to improve throughput and reduce lead times.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align planning with engineering changes and customer delivery requirements.

Collaboration and Support:

Help ensure accurate stock levels, efficient production workflows, and optimised resource allocation to support the on-time delivery of high-performance optical payloads for small satellites.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

Collaborate with the Production and Quality teams to implement process enhancements and increase efficiency

Required Qualifications:

Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field

Required Experience:

• Experience with ERP systems (preferably Acumatica) in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with APS concepts and tools (e.g., finite capacity scheduling, constraint-based planning).
• Familiarity with advanced scheduling tools and software to optimise production processes.
• Understanding of scheduling principles, including lead times, critical path and dependencies.
• Ability to balance team workloads, avoid bottlenecks, and ensure optimal use of available resources
• Understanding how material availability and inventory levels affect production schedules and delivery commitments.
• Ability to analyse system data and reports to identify trends, anticipate disruptions, and recommend proactive solutions
• Skill in identifying scheduling risks and developing contingency plans.
• Ability to generate clear, actionable reports and communicate scheduling status and risks to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) and/or similar analytical tools for schedule data manipulation.

Recommendations:

• B- degree or Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with ERP systems like Acumatica to gather relevant production, materials, order data, reporting, etc.
• Experience working with APS systems to gather relevant schedule and planning data for improved efficiency and reporting.
• Experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment specialising in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing will be highly advantageous.
• Experience in aerospace or high-tech manufacturing is advantageous.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now by submitting your CV and cover letter.

Company Overview

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

The Production Planning Manager / 2IC has the overall responsibility for the planning of samples through the processes and client communication of the laboratory at the Orkney site. Through continuous improvement and optimize the utilization of the laboratory’s throughput according to client’s requirements. Ensure that the overall production for the Geochem facility under his / her control is achieved.

• Plan and prioritize a production schedule for the jobs/projects in according with lab capability and client requirements.
• Implement and control the production schedule.
• Review and adjust the schedule where needed.
• Where possible, do forecasting and planning for upcoming projects or changes in scope for existing projects. Communicate these finding to senior management team.
• Ensure efficient collaboration and co-ordination between relevant departments including procurement, human resources and management.
• In conjunction with Section Manager and/or Laboratory Manager:
• Formulate changes, improve workflow and maximum utilization of resources in the departments.
• Monitor effective utilization and supervision of human resources within the department/s, including training, recruitment and discipline.
• Assist with decisions making about equipment use, maintenance, modification and procurement to ensure production targets can be met.

• Direct communication with clients daily on:

• Status updates on new and existing projects.
• Re-negotiating timelines or schedules as necessary.

• Prepare and maintain production reports
• Monitor and review the performance of staff and organize necessary interventions for improvement on production targets
• Ensure implementation and adherence to health and safety procedures
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

• Minimum BSc, BTech or National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or at least 10 years’ experience in an Analytical Lab.
• Minimum of 5 years’ solid management experience,
• Qualification in Business improvement initiatives will be an added advantage.

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a commercial laboratory environment.
• Familiar with SGS analytical practices
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in customer relationship management
• Strong knowledge of SLIM
• Previous experience in production planning will be an added advantage.
• Previous analytical and technical laboratory experience an advantage
• Good knowledge of ISO17025 requirements

Required Skills:

• Good co- ordination and proven management skills.
• Advanced level of competency in MS Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), to perform word processing, spreadsheet database tracking data and written client communications.
• Statistical evaluation techniques advantageous
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight timelines.
• Ability to prioritize activities and be flexible to adjust to a variety of situations.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with various departments and levels of staff.
• Possesses excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills - Must be fluent in English.
• Possesses strong teamwork and project management skills.
• Results oriented with a strong performance, cost management, and bottom-line orientation
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to depersonalize situations and focus on the business objectives.
• Energy to motivate a team to always deliver results;
• Able to work independently and to coordinate several activities simultaneously;
• Is innovative with a systematic approach for problem solving;
• Acts quickly and decisively; able to make tough calls;
• Holds self and others accountable

• Utilize company resources in accordance with SGS procedures.
• Initiate changes on material and human resources, where and when needed to ensure production targets are met.
• Liaise directly with clients on status of projects, methods, queries, complaints and costs
• Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or entry to hazardous environments without necessary knowledge and protection, and take action to address the hazard.
• Cease to carry out work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and take action to address the issue.
• Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.
• Implementation and maintenance of the quality system.

We're in need of a Lead with the powers to transform our production from chaos to coordination. If you can juggle schedules like a circus performer and make SAP Production Planning your playground, apply now and let's craft the perfect formula for success!

Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in IT
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in SAP S/4 HANA, SAP MM, WM, PP or SD module(s)
• Ability to debug SAP ABAP will be advantageous
• Knowledge of Supply Chain processes will be beneficial

The Job Requirements:

• Solid experience as an SAP Business Analyst within one or more of the following modules: MM, WM, PP or SD
• Knowledge and experience of how to plan projects, define deliverables and to control quality and cost matters
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment for ideation, prototyping and production
• Demonstrated business acumen to take from design to implementation and preferably experience scaling a concept
• Experience leading a product team will be of advantage

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the planning and coordination of activities required to steer the product to align with its strategic future roadmap
• Evaluation, documentation, scoping, and prioritization of new requirements
• Promote continuous improvement through implementation and management of new processes to enhance productivity output
• Participate and provide feedback on any activities where QA practices and risks are to be considered from the writing of user stories, pre-development testing notes and executing QA testing activities in accordance to processes and quality guidelines to identify defects / quality concerns in projects
• Responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating the product budget
• Effective communication and feedback between IT product team and Business stakeholders

We're in need of a Lead with the powers to transform our production from chaos to coordination. If you can juggle schedules like a circus performer and make SAP Production Planning your playground, apply now and let's craft the perfect formula for success!

Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in IT
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in SAP S/4 HANA, SAP MM, WM, PP or SD module(s)
• Ability to debug SAP ABAP will be advantageous
• Knowledge of Supply Chain processes will be beneficial

The Job Requirements:

• Solid experience as an SAP Business Analyst within one or more of the following modules: MM, WM, PP or SD
• Knowledge and experience of how to plan projects, define deliverables and to control quality and cost matters
• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment for ideation, prototyping and production
• Demonstrated business acumen to take from design to implementation and preferably experience scaling a concept
• Experience leading a product team will be of advantage

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the planning and coordination of activities required to steer the product to align with its strategic future roadmap
• Evaluation, documentation, scoping, and prioritization of new requirements
• Promote continuous improvement through implementation and management of new processes to enhance productivity output
• Participate and provide feedback on any activities where QA practices and risks are to be considered from the writing of user stories, pre-development testing notes and executing QA testing activities in accordance to processes and quality guidelines to identify defects / quality concerns in projects
• Responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating the product budget
• Effective communication and feedback between IT product team and Business stakeholders

South Deep is recruiting! This is an opportunity to bring your expertise to a dynamic and engaged team of professionals, working together to become the beacon of pride for our people, our communities, our stakeholders, and our shareholders.

At South Deep, we value each person’s individual and collective contribution and support your ongoing development, helping you to achieve your career and our business aspirations.

POSITION: Supervisor Materials Management

JOB GRADING: C Upper

DEPARTMENT: Commercial Services

SITE: South Deep Gold Mine

The Supervisor: Materials Management ensures optimal procurement, storage, and distribution of materials for the operations, adhering to safety, risk and compliance standards. This role optimises warehouse processes, maintains accurate inventory data, and manages supplier relationships for timely material availability, whilst implementing best practices.

Minimum Requirements:

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• Certificate or Diploma in Materials Management or related
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience within the Materials Management Environment, preferably within the mining industry
• Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages
• Be declared medically fit for the position and environment, as determined by a risk-based medical examination at the Gold Fields Occupational Health Centre and pass a Heat Tolerance Screening test, and such other tests as may be required to assess the applicant’s suitability for employment

Key Competencies:

• Proven personal safety record
• Sound interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain a robust team and business relationships through ongoing engagement and collaboration
• Storekeeping/store control certificate
• Proven track record of warehouse monitoring and stock control
• Working knowledge of material management systems and SAP
• Proven diagnostic, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and organisational skills
• Display a high level of motivation and has a strong work ethic
• Display a high level of attention to detail and ensure accuracy in work
• Able to handle conflict, work under pressure and manage time effectively

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure Health and Safety of self and team members by applying relevant standards and procedures in all planning and execution of activities
• Perform inspections in accordance with the MHSA regulations and company standards
• Contribute to the culture of Zero Harm by adhering to all requirements as laid down by legislation, Health & Safety policies and procedures and by the application of specific instructions to own work area and task completion
• Enable efficient service delivery to Gold Field’s internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Manage teams, suppliers/stakeholders in accordance with agreed SLA’s ensuring optimised delivery to the business
• Manage and coordinate direct materials management requirements and execute in accordance with Gold Fields’ policies and procedures
• Plan and optimise warehouse and materials management activities to enable business continuity
• Administer data in the materials management system, uphold the integrity of the stock data, and ensure that accurate information is available on reservations issued, stock received and current stock levels
• Participate in the audit of materials management processes and remedy findings to ensure best practice and mitigate risks

Closing Date: 09 October 2025

Please note that the Gold Fields code of conduct strictly prohibits the exchange of any payment as part of its recruitment process.

Should you require any assistance or have any challenges in applying for a position, please contact the Recruitment hub on

Gold Fields is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment

NOTE: all relevant certificates must be attached to your CV in order to be considered for shortlisting