Demand Planner (4-Month Maternity Cover – Fixed-Term Contract)

Boxer Superstores; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Part time

Job summary

A leading retail chain in Durban seeks a highly skilled Demand Planner for a 4-month maternity cover contract. The successful candidate will ensure product availability and manage inventory effectively, working with suppliers and stakeholders. Requires a relevant degree and a minimum of 3 years in demand planning within FMCG retail. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and demand planning systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in demand planning or inventory planning role.
• Strong understanding of inventory health metrics and replenishment cycles.
• Ability to work independently under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Own and align demand strategy jointly with Buyers.
• Forecast demand using historical data for promotional and non-promotional lines.
• Conduct SKU-level performance analysis to inform commercial decisions.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Demand planning systems

Analytical reasoning skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

3-year degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Finance

Tools

FnR system

Cube

BoMM

Job description

Job Description

Boxer Superstores is a leading retail chain committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to the communities we serve. We’re driven by a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency. As we continue to grow, we’re seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Demand Planner to join our Supply Chain team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract.

The Demand Planner will play a pivotal role in ensuring product availability, efficient inventory control, and strategic promotional readiness across categories. This individual will work closely with buyers, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders to align planning efforts with category and company strategy — directly impacting sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Please note: This is a 4-month contract role to provide maternity cover and is not a permanent position.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Own and align demand strategy jointly with Buyers
• Forecast demand using historical data and FnR system for both promotional and non-promotional lines
• Maintain synchronized review cycles and manage supplier lead times
• Implement strategies to manage aged, discontinued, and slow-moving stock
• Authorize future promotions and ensure timely ordering
• Forecast and plan for new stores and store gradings
• Drive accurate stock allocations and replenishment in collaboration with suppliers
• Conduct in-depth SKU-level performance analysis to inform commercial decisions
• Ensure end-to-end promotional planning, tracking, and readiness
• Develop and maintain reporting tools for visibility across functions
• Support stock health, risk mitigation, and store/DC availability
• Facilitate supplier performance reviews and inventory collaboration
• Manage and review KPIs weekly to track progress and elevate risks
• Mentor and support junior planning team members

You’ll be part of a dynamic, fast-paced retail environment where your insights and analytical abilities make a tangible difference in product availability and customer satisfaction. If you’re ready to contribute to a high-performing team — even for a short-term period — we’d love to hear from you.

Minimum Requirements

• 3-year degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Finance
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a demand planning or inventory planning role (FMCG retail preferred)
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and demand planning systems (e.g., FnR, Cube, BoMM)
• Sound understanding of inventory health metrics and replenishment cycles
• Advanced analytical and numerical reasoning skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities
• Ability to work independently under pressure and make informed decisions