Planning and Inventory Lead

Fall Creek is creating a world with better blueberries through its friendly, collaborative team spread across the globe. To help us accomplish this, we are seeking a qualified [[extTitle]] . This position will be located in Paarl, South Africa.

The Planning and Inventory Lead will be responsible for executing the production planning for South Africa according to the standardized process and responsible for the inventory area in South Africa.

ORGANIZATIONAL FIT:
This position primarily reports to the Operations Manager in South Africa within the Operations department and works closely with the EMEA Planning and Clean Stock Manager ( Regional).

JOB SETTING:
Primarily office setting, some nursery setting may be required. Evening, weekend and work over the holidays may be required. Domestic and International travel required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

Responsible for the integration and execution of the production plan for South Africa according to standardized process and as part of the regional production plan.
Organizes and supervises the planning and inventory area team for South Africa within a reporting line.
Creates and updates production workorders in the ERP system for South Africa based on the regional plan on a weekly basis.
Responsible for balancing production workorders and updating targets in the ERP system on a weekly basis.
Responsible for providing the planting targets to the production team on a weekly basis.
Provides planting timing schedules and coordinates with the Production team the zoning and distribution of the plantings with accuracy.
Responsible to coordinate and set the propagation planning for South Africa based on the integrated regional production plan with the Propagation department.
Creates and updates propagation workorders in the ERP system for South Africa based on the integrated regional plan on a weekly basis.
Responsible for balancing propagation workorders and updating targets in the ERP system on a weekly basis as required.
Responsible to provide and update targets to the propagation team on a weekly basis.
Responsible to monitor, executes and maintain all the plants inventory and inventory materials items on the South African Operations.
Responsible for inventory transactions in the ERP system. Such us:

WIP to PROP/PROD
PROP to PROD
PROD to COOL/SALES/2 ND GRADE/DUMP
SALES to SHIP (Prod Batch assignation to ship)
DUMP APPROVAL REQUESTS
INVENTORY ADJUSTMENTS
ERP discards by reason code
SALES STOCKS AND AVAILABILITY reports maintenance.

Responsible for batch updates/changes and batch creation according to standardized process.
Provides demand information for inventory items to Production and Propagation with accuracy and organizes procurement of inventory materials following the Procurement process. Including Goods Receipts.
Shipping Preparation & Coordination: Generate pull slips and labels, coordinate with packing team, and ensure shipping plans are followed.
Loading Supervision: Control all nursery and cooler loadings by inspecting pallet condition, labeling, and packaging before dispatch.
Shipping Documentation: Print, handle, and secure all shipping documents; ensure drivers receive them and final pallet is tagged accordingly.
SAP Documentation: File, digitalize, and accurately log all shipment-related documents in SAP.
Internal Logistics Management: Book and coordinate internal transport (e.g., nursery to cooler), and place dataloggers when needed.
Administrative Duties: Handle purchasing processes, goods receipts, daily packing planner reviews, and validate logistics invoices.
Export & Domestic Shipment Coordination: Organize and book export/domestic transport, prepare necessary documentation, and support regional logistics needs.
Shipment Tracking & Issue Resolution: Monitor shipments, track arrivals, and resolve in-transit issues promptly.
Supplier Management: Prospect transportation suppliers, compare service and quotes, and coordinate global inbound logistics.
Cross-Department Support & Miscellaneous Tasks: Assist other departments (e.g., R&D, Production) with logistics, manage VAT requests, organize couriers, and handle ad-hoc assignments

REQUIRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND TRAINING

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
National diploma or equivalent (associate’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, logistics, or a related field preferred).
Requires a valid driver’s license.
Strong working knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook and ERP system.
Ability to manage, develop and mentor staff.
Prioritize work within established guidelines. Having a clear process drive style.
Ability to develop clear action plans and drive processes with many interdependencies.
Requires good judgment in decision making and in recognizing scope of authority.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors, vendors, labs.
Must have a commitment to quality.
Demonstrate professional and ethical business practices, adherence to company values, and a commitment to personal and professional development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Technical plant knowledge in propagation agriculture
Familiarity with inventory control practices (e.g., FIFO, stock rotation).
General knowledge of plant tissue culture and conventional plant propagation techniques
Knowledge or previous experience with ERP systems.

Who is Fall Creek? – Please go check out our Website & You Tube Videos

We are a US-based company with a keen focus on blueberry genetics, plants, and grower support delivered to the world’s premier blueberry growers. From our humble beginnings in Lowell, Oregon more than 40 years ago, we now also have our own nurseries in Mexico, Peru, Spain, Netherlands, South Africa, and China. Additionally, we have built a dynamic team of global experts in various areas of expertise, including the finest breeders, researchers, propagators and nursery professionals, grower support technicians, sales and customer service experts and more. We’re a deeply planted link in a global chain, ready to serve our customers and our industry throughout North, Central, and South America, Greater Europe, and South Africa. Our mission is to serve the growers and to support the blueberry industry, helping to ensure growers maximize success through our delivery of the best genetics and plants, technical know-how and global market intelligence.

To fulfill our mission, we focus on cultivating exceptional plants, building strong relationships and providing responsive customer service. This is all part of how we’re helping to build A World with Better Blueberries.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery offers a competitive salary and benefit package for this role. This position is office bound, but will require the candidate to be available to work in a nursery setting, and/or support the production team over weekends on a rotational basis.

We can’t wait to hear from you!