Assistant Product Manager and Demand Planner

Execustaff Recruiting Services; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment service provider in Midrand seeks a candidate for a product management role focusing on forecasting and inventory management. The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of relevant experience and a degree in Business or Engineering. Responsibilities include developing forecasting reports, managing stock, and collaborating with internal teams to ensure customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years in a similar role.
• Experience in product management or related fields.
• Knowledge of supply chain and marketing management.
• FMCG experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Conduct accurate forecasting to increase profitability.
• Manage stock and control inventory.
• Develop and maintain documentation for demand planning.
• Prepare and communicate reports to stakeholders.

Skills

Quantitative and business analysis skills

Project management skills

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Customer service orientation

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Business or Engineering

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Summary

To increase profitability for the allocated product by conducting accurate and reliable forecasts, aligning inventory levels with demand, and improving income or revenue forecasts.

Duties

Forecasting

• Design and generate weekly and monthly statistical forecast reports.
• Continuously improve forecasting techniques to align with company objectives.
• Measure and relate the impact of forecast accuracy.
• Support strategic projects for launching innovative products.
• Manage weekly & monthly demand data on Demand Management System.
• Participate in monthly consensus meetings with sales management.
• Communicate regularly with HQ & Manufacturing to identify supply issues and SFA.
• Handle long-term forecasting and confirm kits with HQ for local manufacturing.

Demand Planning Procedures and Processes

• Develop and maintain documentation and SOPs for demand planning.
• Conduct forecasting analysis ensuring adherence to processes and methods.
• Gather and analyze data relevant to sales forecasts, including historical sales, market trends, seasonality, promotions, and inventory levels.
• Establish and utilize best practices for creating forecasts and inventory targets.

Pricing

• Assist in updating and maintaining monthly price lists per currency.
• Communicate pricing information internally and update systems accordingly.
• Maintain fixed pricing from Product Management.
• Assist with pricing quotes and foreign exchange conversions.

Inventory Management

• Recommend adjustments to forecasts and inventory based on demand and market trends.
• Coordinate with HQ on new product registration and SABS certification.
• Review sales forecasts and inventory goals, especially for new product launches and promotions.
• Monitor channel inventory (sell-in/sell-out).
• Assist in monitoring back orders.
• Track POs & Direct Orders to meet business and sales targets, aiming to maximize sales and minimize inventory costs.
• Provide information on graded inventory.

Product Management

• Review product data to keep sales staff informed about new developments.
• Manage issuing and control of sample products.
• Provide input on new products and pricing from HQ.
• Conduct gap analysis for forecasting accuracy and address issues with sales management.
• Present at S&OP meetings on issues, supply, production, and inventory aging.
• Assist with sales allocations and backorders.
• Manage End of Life and New Product information, including demand, shipment, and delays.
• Manage DIO-Tracking and action plans for local and export markets.
• Support the Product Manager with ad hoc duties as needed.

Reporting

• Prepare and communicate forecast and inventory reports to stakeholders.
• Highlight variances and adjust forecasts accordingly.
• Provide progress reports against targets.
• Handle basic administrative tasks like approvals for transfers, pricing, listing documents, and sample stock management.

Job Scope

• Ensure accurate forecasting.
• Manage stock and control inventory.
• Oversee long-term inventory planning.
• Keep abreast of local and international business trends.

Organizational Influence

Engage with internal teams such as GTM Manager, KAMs, PMs, Marketing, Sales, and subsidiaries, as well as external contacts like Store Managers, Regional Managers, FSMs, and customers, to promote product knowledge, ensure customer satisfaction, and maintain strong relationships.

Required Competencies

• Quantitative and business analysis skills.
• Project management skills.
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Customer service orientation and strategic problem-solving abilities.
• In-depth product and retail business knowledge.

Required Experience

• 1-3 years in a similar role.
• Experience in product management or related fields.
• Knowledge of supply chain and marketing management.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) at an advanced level.
• FMCG experience is advantageous.

Educational Requirements

• Degree in Business or Engineering.
• Numerical skills are a plus.

Analysis

• Ability to forecast accurately in a cost-effective manner.
• Manage Long-Term Inventory (LTI) to prevent income loss due to unsold stock.

Travel Requirements

Willingness to travel locally and internationally as needed.