Production Planner

Job Summary:

Central Pharma is seeking an experienced and proactive Production Planner to oversee and optimise production schedules for our contract packing operations. This role is pivotal in ensuring efficient use of resources, alignment with customer expectations, and adherence to regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and hands-on experience in Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system implementation within a pharmaceutical or GMP-compliant environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Scheduling and Planning:

• Develop, monitor, and adjust detailed production schedules to meet contract packing deadlines and customer delivery commitments.
• Balance production capacity with fluctuating demand while ensuring compliance with GMP and pharmaceutical industry standards.
• Collaborate with production and quality teams to align schedules with operational and regulatory requirements.

S&OP Process Implementation:

• Lead and participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings to align production schedules with customer forecasts, inventory strategies, and company financial objectives.
• Work closely with sales, account management, and supply chain teams to incorporate customer requirements and market trends into production plans.
• Provide actionable insights on production constraints, resource allocation, and delivery timelines to support decision-making during S&OP cycles.

• Chair and facilitate weekly planning meetings to align cross-functional teams on production schedules and priorities.

MRP System Implementation and Optimization:

• Spearhead the implementation or enhancement of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems to support efficient contract packing operations.
• Define system configurations, establish workflows, and ensure seamless integration with existing ERP systems.
• Train team members on MRP system functionality and ensure accurate data input for optimal planning and execution.
• Monitor system performance and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

Inventory and Resource Management:

• Ensure adequate availability of raw materials, components, and packaging supplies to meet production demands without overstocking.
• Collaborate with procurement and warehousing teams to streamline material flows and minimize downtime.
• Identify bottlenecks in production and propose solutions to optimize resource utilization.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Serve as the key point of contact between production, quality, procurement, and account management to support smooth and efficient cross-functional operations.
• Provide timely communication of production schedules, delays, and changes to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with customers through weekly planning sessions to optimise production plans, meet service level targets, and proactively address supply chain challenges.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor and analyse production and operational performance data to highlight trends, deviations, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare and deliver reports on production efficiency, schedule adherence, and inventory accuracy for key stakeholders.
• Develop, maintain, and report on KPIs related to S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) and MRP (Material Requirements Planning) system performance.
• Track and evaluate Supplier and Customer On-Time-In-Full (OTIF) performance.
• Assess and report on the impact of plan changes, including average run lengths and scheduling adjustments.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all planning activities comply with GMP, pharmaceutical regulatory standards, and company policies.
• Support quality assurance efforts to maintain the highest standards in contract packing operations.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience in production planning, preferably within the pharmaceutical or contract packing industry.
• Expertise in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and its application in a manufacturing or packaging environment.
• Hands-on experience implementing or optimizing Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems.
• Familiarity with GMP, FDA, or other relevant pharmaceutical industry standards.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on operational excellence.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Salesforce) and advanced planning tools.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in contract packing operations for pharmaceuticals or healthcare products.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Familiarity with serialisation and pharmaceutical traceability requirements.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and planning.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in a highly regulated environment.
• Strong adaptability to dynamic and fast-paced operations.
• Effective leadership in cross-functional collaboration.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on customer satisfaction and compliance.

Why Join Us?

Central Pharma is dedicated to delivering high-quality contract packing solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. We offer opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative work environment.