Demand Planner

RAD Resources; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

RAD Resources is seeking a seasoned Demand Planner to own the S&OP process and drive alignment across sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance in Gauteng. You will forecast demand using historical data, market trends, and customer inputs to produce a 12-month rolling forecast.

The role requires 6+ years in demand planning, strong analytical skills, advanced Excel, and the ability to collaborate with multiple functions to align plans with company strategy.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in full Demand planning.
• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or relevant field.
• Strong analytical and forecasting skills; effective cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the S&OP process, driving alignment between sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance.
• Analyse historical sales data, market trends, and customer forecasts to develop accurate demand projections to create the 12-month rolling forecast.
• Align with Demand planning stakeholders from sales team and consolidate forecasts into a single business plan.
• Apply statistical models and forecasting tools to predict future demand patterns and support business planning.
• Consolidate and maintain demand plans across product categories, ensuring alignment with company strategy.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and product teams to integrate market intelligence, promotions, and product launches into forecasts.
• Regularly review and adjust forecasts through S&OP cycles to reflect changing market conditions.
• Partner with supply chain, procurement, logistics, and operations to align demand, production, and distribution plans.
• Monitor inventory health, ensuring optimal stock levels, minimizing excess, and achieving age stock targets (< 5% SOH).
• Identify risks to demand and supply plans, troubleshooting issues (including shipping delays) and implementing corrective actions.
• Generate and present S&OP reports on forecast accuracy, demand trends, inventory performance, and scenario planning.
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve forecasting accuracy, supply chain resilience, and overall business performance.
• Manage the demand forecast in line with company sales and inventory budget.

Skills

Analytical skills

Forecasting experience

Excel advanced

S&OP knowledge

Cross-functional communication

Inventory optimization

Statistical modelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management

Job description

Duties

• Own and lead the S&OP process, driving alignment between sales, marketing, supply chain, and finance.
• Analyse historical sales data, market trends, and customer forecasts to develop accurate demand projections to create the 12-month rolling forecast.
• Align with Demand planning stakeholders from sales team and consolidate all forecasts into a single business plan.
• Apply statistical models and forecasting tools to predict future demand patterns and support business planning.
• Consolidate and maintain demand plans across product categories, ensuring alignment with company strategy.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and product teams to integrate market intelligence, promotions, and product launches into forecasts.
• Regularly review and adjust forecasts through S&OP cycles to reflect changing market conditions.
• Partner with supply chain, procurement, logistics, and operations to align demand, production, and distribution plans.
• Monitor inventory health, ensuring optimal stock levels, minimizing excess, and achieving age stock targets (< 5% SOH).
• Identify risks to demand and supply plans, troubleshooting issues (including shipping delays) and implementing corrective actions.
• Generate and present S&OP reports on forecast accuracy, demand trends, inventory performance, and scenario planning.
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve forecasting accuracy, supply chain resilience, and overall business performance.
• Manage the demand forecast in line with company sales and inventory budget.

Key competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or relevant degree.
• Minimal 6 years of experience in full Demand planning.
• Strong analytical skills, proficiency in forecasting tools, and effective communication with cross-functional teams are essential for success in this position.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration with suppliers, Customers, internal teams, and management.
• Experience in optimizing inventory levels, ensuring efficient stock levels to meet demand while minimizing excess.
• Knowledge of statistical modelling and forecasting techniques.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and proactively adjust plans.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Advanced excel skills.