Production Planner - South Island

About the company

RX Plastics Ltd is part of Aliaxis, a global organisation focused on solving water challenges and supporting the move toward cleaner energy. The business is a major supplier of piping and fitting solutions used across building, infrastructure, industrial, and agricultural settings. More than 16,000 people work across its global network in over 40 countries and 80 manufacturing facilities.

In New Zealand and the Pacific, the company supplies high-quality plastic pipes, fittings, and building materials through well-known brands including Marley, RX Plastics, and Dynex. The organisation is also committed to lowering its environmental footprint and creating positive outcomes for customers and communities.

About the role

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced and adaptable Production Planner to join the team in connection with a long-serving employee’s retirement. The role comes with thorough onboarding, training, and support to help the successful person settle in and build long-term success.

The preferred base is Ashburton, with Christchurch also considered. In this position, you will be responsible for coordinating production planning across several manufacturing sites and production lines, with a focus on improving supply performance, customer service, and operational efficiency.

The position does not include direct reports, but it involves close collaboration with teams across manufacturing, procurement, logistics, sales, and customer service to achieve effective planning outcomes across sites.

Working style and values

The business values people who are willing to challenge established ways of working, care about the environment and one another, and take ownership of results and actions.

• Challenge the status quo and embrace innovation and fast learning.
• Show care for the environment, customers, and colleagues.
• Deliver through accountability and follow-through.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and improve production schedules across multiple manufacturing sites and production lines.
• Create supply plans that match customer demand, inventory goals, and operational capacity.
• Lift production efficiency by reducing downtime and waste through smart scheduling.
• Run site supply review meetings and contribute to the S&OP process.
• Spot supply and demand risks early and respond with practical planning solutions.
• Help drive ongoing improvements in planning processes and systems.
• Keep ERP planning master data up to date, including BOMs, routings, and planning parameters.
• Prepare reports and planning insights to support operational decisions.
• Manage and assist with intersite stock transfers where required.

What you will bring

You should have solid experience in supply planning or production scheduling within a manufacturing environment. Experience in plastics, FMCG, or other high-speed, complex manufacturing settings will be viewed very favourably.

You will need to be confident using Excel and ERP systems, and ideally have a technical mindset that supports accurate planning and problem solving. APIC or Oliver Wight certification is preferred but not essential.

Strong communication skills are important, along with the ability to build effective relationships, influence stakeholders, and negotiate positive outcomes. A collaborative and solution-focused approach will help you succeed in this role, especially when troubleshooting issues.

You will also need excellent time management, strong coordination ability, a sense of urgency, analytical thinking, and close attention to detail in order to meet daily production KPIs and targets.

The team is looking for someone who is flexible, adaptable, proactive, and ready to contribute to the growth of manufacturing capability. Travel between Ashburton and Christchurch will be required depending on your location.

Perks and benefits

• Onsite parking.
• PPE provided.
• Supportive team culture.
• Industry-leading paid parental leave: 26 weeks for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers.
• Annual performance-based bonus for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your immediate family.
• Employee recognition programs and service awards.
• Career development opportunities locally and internationally.
• Access to mentoring programs.
• Opportunity to contribute to the DEI council.
• Safe workplace with a strong Go for Zero focus.

Additional information

This role is based in Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand, with Christchurch also listed as an option for the right candidate. No direct reports are attached to the role. The employer has not stated salary, number of vacancies, or a start date.

For more information, a contact person and phone number were provided in the original listing, along with a reference to a professional networking profile; these details have been omitted here.