Demand Planner

Media24; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media Company seeks a Demand Planner to manage the demand for skincare and makeup products, ensuring alignment between demand and supply. The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented with experience in managing a large SKU base and proficiency in demand planning tools. This role offers opportunities for personal development and emphasizes teamwork and communication.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a large SKU base, especially in skincare or makeup.
• Skilled in handling 1,000+ active SKUs.
• Meticulous in data accuracy and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Maintain SKU-level forecasts with rolling 6-12 months visibility.
• Manage launch forecast accuracy to minimize excess/obsolete stock.
• Collaborate with brand, supply chain, and commercial teams.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Proficient in demand planning tools

Strong Excel/Power BI skills

Experience with large SKU management

Tools

Netstock

Blue Yonder

SAP APO

Job description

Overview

Demand Planner – 3 Axes

Requirement: Detail-Oriented Planner

We require a highly detail-oriented planner with proven experience managing a large SKU base, with specific knowledge of skincare and / or make-up categories. This role is critical to ensuring demand and supply are aligned across high-volume, fast-moving assortments with frequent launches, discontinuations, promotion, and seasonality shifts.

Core Competencies and Responsibilities

• SKU Complexity Management
  • Skilled in handling 1,000+ active SKUs simultaneously, across shades, sizes, and promotional items
  • Ability to manage Pareto split (fast movers vs long-tail) while maintaining visibility on total portfolio
• Cosmetics/Makeup Experience
  • Deep understanding of launch cycles, discontinuations, phasing in & out of renovations
  • Knowledge of retailer expectations in beauty (fill rates, on-counter availability, assortment grading)
• Systems & Tools
  • Proficiency with demand planning and replenishment tools (e.g., Netstock, Blue Yonder, SAP APO, O9, or similar).
  • Strong Excel/Power BI skills for building SKU-level reports and dashboards.
  • Experience integrating ERP/WMS/BI flows (Syspro, Navision, SAP, Datascope, etc. preferred).
• Planning Discipline
  • Creates detailed forecasting files by SKU, channel, and retailer.
  • Monitors sell-in vs sell-out, GIT, and stock cover to balance working capital vs service levels.
  • Runs weekly S&OP cycles, highlighting risks, stock-outs, and opportunities.
• Detail Orientation
  • Meticulous in data accuracy (EANs, shade codes, retailer assortments).
  • Capable of reviewing supplier POs vs proforma invoices, shipment delays, and promotional alignment.
• Culture and Leadership
  • Personal Development
    • Take ownership of your growth by actively managing your Personal Development Plan (PDP). Request training opportunities, seek feedback on your performance, and apply learnings to continuously improve.
  • Live the Company Values
    • Demonstrate commitment to the organisation by upholding and practicing its values in your daily work and interactions.
    • Actively demonstrate drive, accountability & tenacious teamwork.
    • Take responsibility and ownership of challenges within the department. Contribute to solutions and collaborate effectively to achieve team goals.
• Communication & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain regular communication with your line manager. Share updates, raise concerns, and make recommendations to improve departmental efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Actively collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve business goals.
  • Contribute positively to creating a harmonious environment and a great workplace culture.

Key Deliverables

• Maintain SKU-level forecasts with at least rolling 6-12 months visibility.
• Manage launch forecast accuracy to minimize excess/obsolete stock.
• Ensure service level targets (97%+ on core SKUs) while optimizing stock holding.
• Provide clear reporting on OOS risks, slow movers, and corrective actions.
• Drive collaboration between brand, supply chain, and commercial teams.