Demand Planner at African Sales Company

African Sales Company (ASCO); Midrand; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent retail firm in Midrand is seeking a Demand Planner to oversee forecasting and inventory processes. This role requires strong analytical skills and at least 5 years of experience in demand planning. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet sales and service objectives. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in retail and procurement, with a 4-year degree in Business or related field. This full-time position offers medical aid and a provident fund.

Benefits

Medical Aid

Provident Fund

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, or procurement.
• Experience with MRP functionality.
• Knowledge of key inventory performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee demand planning and inventory requirements.
• Develop and execute demand and inventory plans.
• Manage forecasts generated by team of demand planners.

Skills

Strong analytical abilities

Collaborative skills in resolving inventory positions

Detail-oriented

Education

4 year college degree (Business, marketing or related field)

Tools

Syspro

Excel Advanced

Forecasting tools

Job description

African Sales company has a requirement for a Demand Planner at their Head Office in Midrand. The key purpose of the role is that you will oversee the demand planning (forecasting and inventory) requirements process.

This is a hands‑on position responsible for developing and executing demand plan and inventory plans that will enable the division to meet sales and service objectives. Working closely with the General Manager, the position also requires managing forecasts generated by demand planners reporting to you.

Key Results Area

• Retailer month end sales data analysis: sell‑in and sell‑out analysis
• Market Data Collection, Reporting & Analysis (Division Market share analysis)
• Forecasting and inventory analysis using streamline
• Fulfilment tracking; inbound and outbound
• New product launches and promotions
• Continuous master data cleanup (ABC classification, Statuses)

Job Specific Requirements

• Designing and generating weekly and monthly statistical forecast reports for the entire portfolio i.e., your allocated portfolio
• Continuously improving own forecasting techniques, method, and approach and of those demand planners reporting to you.
• Conduct current and future forecasting analysis, ensuring forecasting processes and methods are followed.
• Assemble and analyze all data pertinent to creating the sales forecast (historical sales, market trends, seasonality and promotions).
• Establish and utilize best methods (statistical models and software tools) in creating forecasts and respective inventory targets for the entire division
• Review the division forecasts and make recommended adjustments to forecast and inventory targets based on changes in demand and market trends.
• Lead forecast and inventory planning meetings with Marketing Manager and General Manager, reviewing recommended sales forecasts and inventory goals (emphasis on brand transitions, new product introduction, and promotions).
• Manage division inventory targets (including safety stock levels) that are approved by management.
• Prepare, review outputs from the demand planners, report, and communicate division forecast and inventory measurements to management (forecast accuracy, inventory plan vs. targets) e.g., monthly S&OP reporting and analysis
• Monitor SKU levels and recommend SKU rationalization initiatives in the future
• Proactively facilitating, re‑engineering, best practices & consensus between functional experts (Demand Planning, Inventory Planning, Purchasing, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Finance, and IT)
• Monthly fulfilment analysis; inbound and outbound
• Monthly retailers sell‑in analysis with recommendations for orders across key retailer
• Sell in Sell out analysis
• Reporting internally and externally Sell in & sell out, month to date & Calendar and Fiscal YTD
• Continuous master data cleanup (ABC classification, Statuses) at least every 6 months.
• Assist in analysing and troubleshooting demand related issues in a timely and accurate manner.
• Project lead new demand planning initiatives
• Maintain documentation and standard operating procedures for demand planning processes and systems.

Qualifications

• Background in master scheduling, forecasting, procurement and planning.
• Strong analytical abilities
• Strong knowledge of demand planning process within the cosmetic and retail industry
• Experience using ERP statistical software packages
• Knowledge of demand management/forecasting tools, forecasting processes in sales, marketing operations, finance, managing OTB, manufacturing and supply chain issues
• Good communication and skills
• Detail oriented
• Extreme accuracy
• Extensive spreadsheet analysis and strong mathematical abilities
• 5+ years related experience
• Experience with MRP functionality
• Knowledge of turn rates
• Knowledge of key inventory performance metrics, turns, margin contributions, etc.
• Ability to lead cross‑functionally.
• Collaborative skills in resolving long and short positions in inventory.
• Experience in managing end of life cycle and absolute inventory.
• 4 year college degree (Business, marketing or related field)

Desired Skills

• Syspro
• Excel Advanced
• BI
• Demand Planning
• Supply chain planning
• Inventory Management
• Operations planning
• Inventory Analysis

Desired Work Experience

• 5 to 10 years Retail

Desired Qualification Level

• Diploma

About The Employer

Africa Sales Company (ASCO) is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other

Employer & Job Benefits

• Medical Aid
• Provident Fund