Workshop Planner

SUMMARY:
Our client is a globally recognised engineering and manufacturing organisation specialising in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty mineral processing equipment and machinery for the mining and related industries.
The organisation is known for its innovative engineering solutions, high-quality manufacturing standards and collaborative working environment. Due to continued operational requirements, they are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Workshop Planner to join their team in Edenvale.

POSITION INFO:
Our client is a globally recognised engineering and manufacturing organisation specialising in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty mineral processing equipment and machinery for the mining and related industries.
The organisation is known for its innovative engineering solutions, high-quality manufacturing standards and collaborative working environment. Due to continued operational requirements, they are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Workshop Planner to join their team in Edenvale.

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

Scheduling & Workshop Planning

• Create and maintain master workshop schedules using Microsoft Project.
• Plan and schedule multiple concurrent workloads, including:
  • New machine builds
  • Spare parts manufacture
  • Equipment repairs
  • Refurbishment projects
  • Assembly work
• Develop and update workshop workflows to optimise workload distribution across machining, fabrication and assembly departments.
• Establish realistic production timelines based on available resources, equipment and workshop capacity.
• Identify the critical path for complex assembly, manufacturing and refurbishment projects.
• Sequence activities to ensure that upstream work is completed in time to support downstream assembly and delivery requirements.

Progress Tracking & Optimisation

• Track daily workshop activities and monitor work-in-progress (WIP) against planned schedules.
• Obtain regular progress updates from workshop personnel and update schedules accordingly.
• Monitor actual production performance against planned timelines.
• Forecast realistic completion dates based on workshop performance, machine availability and current workloads.
• Identify bottlenecks, delays and potential schedule slippages before they affect delivery dates.
• Develop and implement schedule adjustments when production priorities change.
• Assist with improving overall workshop utilisation, productivity and workflow.

Stakeholder & Operational Support

• Work closely with workshop supervisors, machinists, fabricators and assembly teams to maintain accurate production schedules.
• Provide scheduling support to ensure an efficient flow of work between departments.
• Liaise with the Commercial Department regarding order status, lead times, priority changes and target delivery dates.
• Update workshop schedules in response to urgent repair or breakdown requirements.
• Communicate potential delivery risks and schedule changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure workshop planning information remains accurate and up to date.

Minimum Requirements

• NQF Level 4 / Grade 12 or equivalent is essential.
• Mathematics and Science as school subjects would be advantageous.
• A National Diploma, Higher Certificate or relevant technical qualification would be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in planning and scheduling within a heavy fabrication or manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience within the mining machinery, mineral processing or heavy engineering sector will be highly advantageous.

Technical Requirements

• Microsoft Project proficiency is essential.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including data tracking, sorting and basic reporting.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and MS Office.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering, fabrication, machining and assembly drawings.
• Good understanding of manufacturing and workshop processes.
• Familiarity with Bills of Materials (BOMs) and master assembly structures.
• Ability to analyse a master assembly BOM and determine which sub-assemblies and components need to be manufactured or completed first.
• Understanding of production sequencing and dependencies between workshop activities.

Key Competencies

• Strong logical and analytical thinking.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong ability to sequence activities and calculate realistic timeframes.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work with multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Confident and assertive communication skills.
• Ability to obtain accurate progress information from busy workshop teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Ability to remain calm and adaptable when priorities change.
• Resilience when dealing with urgent breakdowns and unplanned work.
• A proactive approach to identifying potential delays before they impact delivery.
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability.