Production Planning Specialist Job Vacancy in Bakau, Gambia – Manufacturing
Job Description
Position: Production Planning Specialist
Company: Unilever Gambia
Location: Bakau, Gambia
Experience: 3-5 years in production planning within FMCG manufacturing
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Manufacturing
Department: Production Planning
Salary: 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 SSP per annum
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Unilever Gambia is a leading multinational consumer goods company with a strong heritage of sustainable growth and community engagement across Africa. Operating in the heart of Bakau, the company manufactures and distributes a wide range of household, personal care, and food products that are trusted by millions of consumers. Unilever’s commitment to responsible business practices, innovation, and talent development makes it an employer of choice for ambitious professionals seeking a dynamic career in manufacturing. The organization’s values of integrity, respect, and responsibility align with the broader goals of economic development in Gambia, creating a vibrant workplace where employees can contribute to both corporate success and societal impact.
As part of Unilever’s global network, the Bakau facility adheres to world‑class standards for quality, safety, and environmental stewardship. The company invests heavily in modern production technologies, data‑driven decision making, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that every product meets the highest expectations of consumers and regulators alike. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture, access to international best practices, and opportunities for cross‑functional mobility within the group.
Job Overview
The Production Planning Specialist will play a pivotal role in optimizing the end‑to‑end manufacturing schedule for Unilever’s Bakau plant. Reporting to the Production Planning Manager, the specialist will coordinate with procurement, operations, quality, and logistics teams to ensure that raw material availability, equipment capacity, and workforce allocation are aligned with demand forecasts. This position is essential for maintaining high service levels, minimizing inventory costs, and supporting the company’s commitment to sustainable production. The role offers exposure to advanced planning software, lean manufacturing tools, and a fast‑paced environment where strategic thinking directly influences business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain detailed weekly and monthly production schedules that reflect demand forecasts, inventory targets, and capacity constraints.
- Collaborate with the procurement team to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and packaging components, adjusting plans for any supply disruptions.
- Monitor real‑time shop floor performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to keep production on track.
- Utilize ERP and advanced planning tools (e.g., SAP APO, Kinaxis) to generate accurate production orders and track key performance indicators.
- Conduct regular capacity analysis and recommend equipment upgrades or process changes to improve efficiency.
- Prepare and present production status reports to senior management, highlighting variances and proposed mitigation strategies.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, including lean, Six Sigma, and sustainability projects, to reduce waste and enhance throughput.
Required Skills
- Strong analytical abilities with proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and scenario planning.
- Hands‑on experience with ERP/APS systems, preferably SAP or similar platforms.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills to coordinate across multiple functions.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, demand‑driven planning, and inventory optimization.
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, macros).
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a closely related discipline is required. Professional certifications such as APICS CPIM, CSCP, or Six Sigma Green Belt are highly desirable and will be considered an advantage during the selection process.
Experience
Applicants must have a minimum of three to five years of hands‑on experience in production planning or supply chain coordination within a fast‑moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing environment. Experience in a multinational corporation and exposure to global best practices will be viewed favorably.
Salary
The compensation package ranges from 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 SSP per annum, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and performance. The package includes performance‑based bonuses, health insurance, pension contributions, and other statutory benefits.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and dental coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
- Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
- Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
- Opportunities for professional development, tuition reimbursement, and internal mobility.
Training
- Onboarding program covering Unilever’s safety standards, quality protocols, and corporate culture.
- Continuous training in advanced planning software, lean methodologies, and leadership development.
- Access to Unilever’s global learning platform for certifications and skill enhancement.
Working Environment
Unilever’s Bakau plant offers a modern, safety‑first environment equipped with state‑of‑the‑art machinery and collaborative workspaces. Employees benefit from a supportive team culture, clear career pathways, and a strong emphasis on work‑life balance. The company promotes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment. For additional career resources, visit our partner sites:
Equal Opportunity Statement
Unilever Gambia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic.
