Demand Planner

Segment : Royal Canin

Location : Johannesburg, Gauteng

Everything we do is driven by our passion for the health and wellbeing of every cat and dog.

You can now join us at Royal Canin on this mission.

Our deep understanding of cats and dogs' needs makes it possible for us to design the world's most precise pet health nutrition.

We never stop learning and never take anything for granted.

That's why we collaborate with leading scientific, veterinary, and behavioral experts, breeders, and other pet professionals, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with cat and dog owners worldwide.

Job Overview

To own, create, and deliver accurate sales forecasting and demand management for the local market in collaboration with extended Supply Chain and Sales Pillar teams.

Accountability for developing the baseline demand plan.

Deploy planning standards based on global/regional guidelines.

Drive Continuous Improvement in collaboration with Regional E2E Demand Planner and/or S&OP+ Managers.

Generate insights to support business decisions from forecasting tools and yearly category/market case studies.

Maintain relationships with sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain teams to incorporate assumptions relative to the demand plan each month.

Validate the inclusion of forecasts from sales teams backed with data-driven insights.

Improve forecast accuracy (statistical models) with coordinated actions and updates of FM planning tool.

Deliver an accurate demand forecast for relevant categories using tools and insights available to drive business unit plan delivery and excellent customer service.

Dimension : Support Forecast System & Data

Owns the Demand Planning process and data enrichment via FuturMaster (RC forecasting software).

Gatekeeper of forecast inputs with Sales and Marketing teams, integrating and communicating to broader S&OP+ stakeholders.

Uses SA4 (BI software).

Update and support system data quality (using 1Navision).

Lead projects to enhance process efficiencies through improved functionalities.

Continuously improve Forecasting and Supply planning tools (maintaining master tool and optimizing parameters).

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of 3-5 years' experience in Demand Planning / S&OP / Supply Planning role in FMCG.
• Proven track record in demand planning processes, S&OP, and business knowledge in organizations/processes.
• Experience in food or nutritional product industry is an advantage.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, or related fields.
• Excellent communication skills (both written & oral) in English.
• Expert data analytics capabilities, including strong Excel skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-pilot with sales, marketing, and finance to deliver an accurate and aligned demand plan for specific segments/customers, short, medium, and long term.
• Proactively manage relationships with customers to align on forecasting and key event planning.
• Ensure product supply risks are mitigated and stock levels are maintained.
• Develop accurate and aligned demand plans across a 2+ year horizon, including promotions and launches.
• Lead Demand Management Review (DMR) and Pre-DMR, generating statistical baseline forecasts.
• Facilitate demand consensus meetings with Sales, Marketing, and VCO Teams.
• Challenge and integrate assumptions from Pillars into the demand plan, working with Finance to align volume and sales value.
• Analyze demand variability and scenarios to understand potential impacts.
• Coordinate execution of promotions and new product deployments.
• Utilize KPIs to understand root causes and implement improvements.
• Develop and maintain databases and forecasts for new products and promotional activities.
• Participate in S&OP+ activities, including inventory updates and assumptions review.
• Maintain product master data and support market initiatives to improve demand plan quality.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse, talented associates guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company committed to building a better tomorrow.
• Access to best-in-class learning and development, including Mars University.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including a bonus.