Lactalis South Africa is seeking a highly skilled Supply Chain Manager (Production Planning) to join its Western Cape team. This role is responsible for managing production planning across all manufacturing plants, ensuring alignment between Commercial, Industrial, and Supply Chain functions. The ideal candidate will play a central role in executing stock build strategies, optimising production schedules, and ensuring customer demand is met efficiently and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Integrated Business Planning (S&OP) process, coordinating the production of key categories in line with forecast and inventory strategies

• Develop short-term weekly production plans for each plant, ensuring alignment with demand

• Manage raw milk allocation across categories and plants to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and support production needs

• Implement automated decision-making tools for raw material allocation and planning

• Oversee replenishment planning to distribution centres, optimising space utilisation and maintaining adequate inventory coverage by SKU

• Set inventory cover levels at distribution centres based on forecast accuracy, lead times, and shelf life to maximise service and minimise waste

• Streamline production planning processes using systems and tools that reduce manual input and enhance accuracy

• Work closely with Demand Planning and Commercial teams to improve forecast accuracy and support demand fulfilment

• Coordinate weekly capacity reviews with Industrial and Supply teams to track planned versus actual production and improve plant performance

• Contribute to long-term raw material allocation decisions to support profitability and efficiency

• Assist in developing long-term volume forecasts for financial and strategic planning

• Collaborate with Commercial to enhance promotional volume planning and ensure accurate phasing

• Promote the use of business intelligence tools and analytics to strengthen supply chain planning and decision-making

Requirements

• A relevant degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline

• At least 5 years of experience in Supply Chain Planning, preferably within FMCG or manufacturing

• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills

• High resilience, adaptability, and the ability to self-manage in a fast-paced environment

• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and lead cross-functional alignment

• A resourceful mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and strategic execution

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, solutions-driven professional looking to make a significant impact in production planning and supply chain optimisation.