Site Scheduler

Join National Brands Limited (NBL) and be part of a legacy that has shaped South Africa’s biscuit tradition for over 170 years. With two iconic factories in Isando and Westmead, we produce beloved brands like Bakers Tennis®, Blue Label Marie®, and Choice Assorted®; creating moments of joy for generations of South Africans. At NBL, you’ll work in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where innovation, quality, and teamwork thrive.

Why Join National Brands Limited (NBL)?

• Make an Impact: Contribute to producing South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands, influencing daily life.
• Innovative Growth: Be part of a forward-thinking environment that encourages product and process improvement.
• Career Development: Access a range of roles and growth opportunities at one of NBL’s 5 world-class facilities.
• Collaborative Culture: Work in a supportive, team-driven environment where your contributions matter.

Step Into a Role That Makes an Impact! An exciting opportunity exists for a Site Scheduler at NATIONAL BRANDS LIMITED NBL Westmead Biscuits. The successful incumbent will be responsible for controlling the production planning function, minimize WIP and ensure realistic production schedules are planned to achieve optimum production efficiency to meet the master production schedule utilizing labour standards

Line Manager: Logistics Manager

Job Specification:

Key Performance Areas:

Planning/ scheduling and master data

• Stock build required components prior to packing.
• Sequence production according to demand.
• Track factory performance daily using Shop-ware MIS.
• Work with raw and packaging buyers and stores to ensure sufficient material.
• Calculate weekly production requirements based on stock holding and sales demands by using the Distribution Requirements Planning and Materials Requirements Planning Reports.
• Analyse capacity constraints of all operating plants and throughputs quarterly.
• Optimize the master Production Schedule to attain the most cost effective manufacturing runs i.e. sequential and back to back production.
• Planned repetitive scheduling and maintenance.
• Prepare draft production plan and firm up post Planning Meeting sign off with Manufacturing.
• Plan trial and maintenance requests at weekly planning meeting. Interface between Central Planning, Central procurement and Factory Management.
• Revise the production plan when necessary due to lack of materials or lack of capacity/breakdowns.
• Monitor achievement of production plan.
• Plan components i.e. Choice, promotional seasonal.
• Plan export orders.

Labour Utilization

• Plan to standard throughputs and labour standards (planning master)
• Determine manpower, equipment and raw materials needed to cover production demand
• Assign workers and other staff to particular production operations
• Schedule shift according to production needs
• Monitor jobs to ensure they will finish on time and within budget

Inventory Management

• Weekly cycle counting and inventory management.
• Obtain output information (number of finished products, percentage of defectives etc.
• Ensuring there is sufficient finished goods stock to fulfil orders, and reorder levels are maintained
• Advising raw materials of any exceptions that may be necessary for new products or changes of products
• Place orders with direct suppliers and manage stock levels accordingly
• Assisting with utilization budget process
• Ensuring planning procedures are reviewed and updated regularly.
• Maintaining and striking a strategic balance between material availability and production plan changes.

Work in Progress management

• Keep WIP to bare minimum using Shopware Kanban
• Focus attention on potential bottlenecks in factory to ensure optimum plant efficiency.
• Liaise with Stores and Distribution regarding service efficiencies
• Working closely with Central planning to optimize the master Production Schedule to attain the most cost effective manufacturing runs i.e. sequential and back to back production

Allergen Control

• Optimal planning sequencing of allergens.
• Collaborate with quality control, warehouse and other staff to ensure policy adherence
• Holding of weekly planning meeting to obtain site information (trials, engineering maintenance downtime, allergen management, deep cleaning etc.) to incorporate into weekly production plan.
• Overseeing of responsibilities in factory warehouse and assist where needed. (Including Chep Portfolio, Stock Transport Orders and Warehouse Team performance).

Reporting and compliance

• Attend and report back on production at the daily production meetings (MDT).
• Call basic conflicts of demand and capacity to the attention of management who need to participate in resolving the problems.
• Liaise with Head Office logistics.
• Prepare and submit status and performance reports, daily, weekly and monthly
• Keep paperwork organized
• Advising on any machine (capacity) requirements for future
• Monitor daily sales reports Update actual vs planned daily and analyse variances (non-adherence to plan) and discuss with production managers in daily production meetings.
• Report potential risks back to Logistics manager and Central planning
• Compiling of Weekly report (production delivery of previous week) and following up on planning targets not met.
• Ensuring production plan is in accordance with specified products to comply with finished goods service level agreements.
• Ensuring timeous escalation of finished goods service level queries and engage relevant parties at head office.
• Timeously communicate and negotiate production plan changes as and when it happens with relevant parties.
• Managing all relevant issues assigned to you proactively including after-hours assistance with month end processes.
• Ensuring timeous scheduling of a production plan to satisfy demand (in SAP, Shopware and Excel).

Minimum Requirements:

Experience:

• 3 - 5 years’ work experience in an FMCG Industry.
• 3 - 5 years’ work experience in a production planning position
• SAP and Shopware experience is essential

Qualifications:

• National Diploma in Production Management/Logistics or relevant qualification.

Additional Requirements:

• Adhoc overtime work
• Attendance at monthly stock takes

Take the Next Step with NBL

Join our team, make a real impact, and contribute to the success of South Africa’s favourite biscuit brands. Apply now and become part of a team that’s dedicated to quality ingredients, and a touch of Bakers® magic!