Operations Planner

OPERATIONS PLANNER - EMAIL [email protected]

Join Our Logistics & Distribution Team

We are seeking a highly organised, analytical, and results-driven Operations Planner to take ownership of our end-to-end order fulfilment and distribution planning process.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring every customer order moves efficiently from order release through to picking, loading, dispatch, and final delivery. This role requires exceptional planning ability, strong communication skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple departments to ensure deliveries are completed on time, at the lowest possible cost, and to the highest customer service standards.

The Operations Planner will work closely with Sales, Accounts, Warehouse, and Transport teams to maximise fleet utilisation, improve delivery performance, minimise transport costs, and ensure operational excellence across the distribution network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Order Management & Release

• Monitor all incoming customer sales orders throughout the day
• Verify order accuracy, pricing, stock availability, and completeness
• Ensure all required information is available before releasing orders
• Coordinate with the Accounts Department to ensure customer accounts are approved prior to order release
• Liaise with the Accounts Controller regarding orders on credit hold or payment queries
• Escalate blocked or urgent orders to management where necessary
• Prioritise urgent and time-sensitive customer orders
• Monitor order release turnaround times to ensure operational targets are achieved

Delivery Planning & Scheduling

• Plan and schedule daily delivery routes for maximum efficiency
• Allocate deliveries to the appropriate vehicles based on capacity, destination, and delivery priorities
• Schedule truck departures to maximise delivery performance
• Sequence deliveries to minimise travel time and unnecessary kilometres
• Balance workloads across available vehicles and drivers
• Ensure delivery schedules align with warehouse picking and loading capacity
• Adjust delivery plans to accommodate operational changes and customer requirements

Transport & Fleet Coordination

• Maximise vehicle utilisation across the fleet
• Monitor transport performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Coordinate driver allocation and vehicle scheduling
• Monitor fuel consumption and transport costs
• Ensure efficient utilisation of available truck capacity
• Assist in reducing transport costs while maintaining service levels
• Work closely with drivers and warehouse teams to ensure smooth dispatch operations

Warehouse & Dispatch Coordination

• Coordinate with warehouse personnel to ensure orders are picked accurately and on schedule
• Ensure picking is prioritised according to delivery schedules
• Monitor loading progress and ensure vehicles depart on time
• Resolve operational bottlenecks affecting dispatch
• Coordinate urgent deliveries and last-minute customer requirements

Operational Performance Management

Monitor and improve key operational performance indicators, including:

• Order release turnaround time
• Picking accuracy
• On-time loading performance
• Vehicle utilisation
• Delivery performance
• On-Time In-Full (OTIF) deliveries
• Truck capacity utilisation
• Cost per delivery
• Cost per kilometre
• Fuel consumption
• Customer complaints relating to deliveries
• Route efficiency and optimisation

Continuous Improvement

• Analyse delivery performance and identify operational inefficiencies
• Recommend improvements to planning processes and delivery schedules
• Reduce unnecessary transport costs and travel distances
• Improve customer service through efficient operational planning
• Support the implementation of operational best practices and continuous improvement initiatives

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 1**–3 years' experience** in logistics, transport planning, distribution, or operations coordination
• Previous experience in route planning and fleet scheduling
• Strong understanding of warehouse and distribution operations
• Experience working with ERP systems and transport planning processes
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Strong numerical and analytical ability
• Valid driver's licence will be advantageous

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication and coordination skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Commercial awareness with a focus on cost control
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Customer-focused mindset
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach
• Strong leadership and accountability

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

• Order Release Turnaround Time
• On-Time Order Release
• Picking Accuracy
• Loading On-Time Percentage
• Delivery On-Time Percentage
• Orders Delivered In Full (OTIF)
• Vehicle Utilisation Percentage
• Truck Capacity Utilisation
• Route Efficiency
• Cost per Delivery
• Cost per Kilometre
• Fuel Consumption
• Customer Delivery Complaints
• Delivery Productivity
• Fleet Scheduling Efficiency

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

Position: Operations Planner
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Work Location: On-site / In person

Salary: Competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience.

If you are a highly organised logistics professional with a passion for planning, operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer service, we invite you to join our growing operations team.

Pay: From R10 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person