Demand Planner

SUMMARY:
The Demand Planner will play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing overall final product inventory processes, and ensuring effective sales forecasting. You will work closely with various teams to drive accurate cost-effective demand planning, and streamline forecasting processes to meet business KPIs.

JOB ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of Matric and a relevant tertiary qualification in Logistics, Sales, Supply Chain, or a similar field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field is preferred.
  
  

POSITION INFO:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Sales Forecasting & Demand Planning:

• Provide accurate, timely, and optimal sales forecasts in conjunction with the sales team.
• Conduct planning to ensure alignment between sales and production.

• Engage with clients to manage shortfalls in categories/SKUs and recover lost sales.
• Manage stock optimizations, addressing issues like near-dated stock in collaboration with the sales teams.
• Ensure accurate inventory estimations for stock levels, minimum order quantities, and promotions.

• Conduct monthly pre-validation meetings with managers to validate forecasts for categories and SKUs.
• Capture relevant data in systems to ensure availability of real-time information.
• Present historical vs. actual analysis in line with the annual budget and promotional plans.
• Facilitate weekly meetings between sales and production.

• Analyze production trends, sales, and stock performance, providing actionable insights to improve performance.

• Communicate effectively with production team, sales team and customer service team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve demand issues and align on key priorities.

• A minimum of 3-5 years in demand planning, preferably within the FMCG, retail, or manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience in stock optimizations, and forecasting processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with QlikView for data analysis and reporting.

• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to handle conflict.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a proactive attitude towards problem-solving.
• Proven ability to collaborate with various departments and manage external relationships.