Our client based in Kyalami is seeking to employ a Demand Planner to do the following:

Supports the Demand Planning Manager and Brands to develop the consensus forecast for the brands based on statistical forecast and sales & marketing activities such as promotions (GWP, local sets) and new product launches;

· Develops the SKU & aggregate forecast based on the in-market intelligence from the multifunctional teams (e.g. incorporating latest promotion plans, in-market performance of the new launches, competitive activities, macro market trends, customers’ plans, trade inventory etc.);

· Collaborates with Affiliate Inventory Managers and brand & sales team to manage and shape demand especially during extended out of stocks situations;

· Maintains the Demand Planning Attributes & Master data such as Characteristics Value Combinations (CVCs), Product lifecycle (PLC’s), Demand Type (DT), Strategic Indicator (SI), and History Start Date (HSD);

· Conduct New Product pre & post launch analysis with brands and regional demand planning team and recommend actions for future launches based on historical insights (pipeline, sell-in velocity, cannibalization, execution excellence);

· Leads the pre(Branded) SIOP meetings focusing on demand trends insights, building blocks assumptions, and share scenarios planning based on risks & opportunity assessments;

· Leads the Demand Review section as part of the monthly SIOP meetings, focusing the team on key trends insights and focus the team’s energy on strategic areas which makes the biggest impact to the business (e.g. key assumptions which assumptions went right/wrong, key demand drivers insights, cannibalization learnings for reapplication, key building blocks assumptions); and

· Conduct forecast analytics and share analysis insights and recommendations.

· Generate, analyze and communicate key reports and data throughout the region in line with regional strategy and local requirements.

Skill Requirements / Personal Competencies

· Knowledge of supply chain management concepts, i.e. Plan, Source, Make, Deliver and Return

· Strong analytical and problem solving abilities

· Proactive and a team player

· Continuously look for forecast accuracy improvement opportunities

· Critical thinking skills to identify where analysis is required & then do it

· Ability to work in a dynamic, pressurised environment

· Experience with Microsoft Office with strong experience in Excel (Advanced) and PowerPoint (Basic)

· Experience in and/or exposure to S&OP processes and procedures

· Excellent communication skills - both formal and informal

· Ability to communicate within all levels of the organisation

· Strong meeting facilitation skills

· Strong negotiating skills

· Knowledge of statistical modeling techniques

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s Degree in related field

· SAP/ERP knowledge, APO would be advantageous

· Demand Planning systems knowledge

· 3 to 5 years planning experience

· APICS or other forecasting certification preferred