Planning Engineer

Role & responsibilities

1. Position Summary

Planning Engineer for Production Planning and Control (PPC) for our manufacturing team. This position is responsible for overseeing and optimising the entire production planning process for PVC and HDPE pipe manufacturing. The successful candidate will ensure efficient production scheduling, resource allocation, and inventory management to meet production targets and deliver high-quality products on time.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Production Planning & Scheduling:

• Develop and manage the production plan, ensuring timely delivery of PVC and HDPE pipes.
• Monitor production schedules, materials, and resources to ensure alignment with demand forecasts and capacity.
• Create, update, and maintain detailed production schedules that optimise plant resources, minimising downtime.
• Coordinate with sales and procurement teams to ensure materials are available for production.

2.2 Inventory Management

• Oversee inventory control for raw materials, finished goods, and semi-finished goods.
• Analyse ROL & other inventory levels to avoid shortages and excess stock, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Work closely with the procurement team to ensure timely orders of materials.

2.3 Production Efficiency and Quality

• Analyse production processes and identify opportunities for improvement to enhance productivity.
• Collaborate with production and quality assurance teams to meet product specifications and quality standards.
• Identify production bottlenecks and work with cross-functional teams to resolve them promptly.

2.4 Forecasting and Demand Planning

• Coordinate with the sales and marketing departments to accurately forecast production needs based on customer demands.
• Adjust production plans as necessary to account for market fluctuations, urgent customer orders, and seasonal demand on a priority.

2.5 Reporting and Analysis

• Track production performance and prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on production status, efficiency, and inventory levels.
• Prepare and submit reports on inventory levels, including the Reorder Level (ROL) inventory, to management on a quarterly, half-yearly, and annual basis for review and action.
• Prepare reports on production variances, analysing causes and suggesting corrective actions.
• Report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production, such as on-time delivery, cost efficiency, and production yield.

2.6 Productivity Reports

1. Daily: Planned v/s Actual report at SnOP meeting

2. Weekly: Planned v/s Actual and projection for next week in Production meeting

3. Monthly MIS report

2.7 Collaboration

• Work closely with production, maintenance, quality control, sales, and other departments to resolve any issues related to production schedules and product quality.
• Assist with new product development and production trials by working with the design and engineering teams.

2.8 Continuous Improvement

• Implement lean manufacturing techniques, such as 5S, Kaizen, or Six Sigma, to improve production efficiency.
• Actively participate in cross-functional teams to develop and implement process improvements.

2.8 Internal / External Relationship Management

• Liaise with internal stakeholders to ensure satisfaction with product quality, delivery, and service.
• Resolve production-related customer complaints or issues quickly and professionally.

2.9 Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all Production & Fabrication activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Maintain accurate productivity records of Production & Fabrication output and inventory management.

Preferred candidate profile

• Graduate Engineer with 10-15 years of experience in a production plant of plastic industry, preferably in piping and fittings
• Should have managed a team of 100 200 employees
• Has complete technical knowledge to handle a production plant
• Has ability to trouble shoot and take quick action
• Knowledge on Lean manufacturing techniques such as Kanban, 5S etc is an added advantage
• Has ability to improve systems and processes using new technology and drive the implementation by managing changes