Head of Demand Planning

Nestlé; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A global food and beverage company is seeking a Head of Demand Planning in Randburg. This role requires at least 7 years of experience in Supply Chain Management, with a particular focus on Demand Planning. Responsibilities include leading a team, formulating strategies, and collaborating with various business functions to ensure efficient processes. Ideal candidates should possess strong leadership skills and experience in managing demand and supply planning. This position offers a dynamic environment within a leading organization.

Qualifications

• A Degree/Diploma in Supply Chain or relevant business qualification.
• At least 7 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management.
• At least 4 years’ experience in Demand and Supply Planning.
• Strong Leadership role with direct people management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Demand Planning team in effective application of best practices.
• Formulate and implement demand planning strategies.
• Facilitate alignment of the Demand Plan through Monthly Business Planning.
• Manage relationships with internal partners in Demand Planning.

Skills

Leadership

Supply Chain Management

Demand Planning

Data Analysis

Education

Degree/Diploma in Supply Chain

BSc Engineering

Mathematics

Statistics

Data Science

Tools

Excel

PowerBI

SAP APO

Job description

Location: Bryanston
Company: Nestlé
Position Title: Head of Demand Planning

Qualification: A Degree/Diploma in Supply Chain or relevant qualification business qualification: (BSc Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science)

Closing date: 09 January 2026

Experience: At least 7 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management with a very good grasp of the different departments in SCM and of the end-to-end process. At least 3 years’ experience in Demand and Supply Planning (desirable to have had experience in Demand Planning). Previous Leadership role in one of the functions across Generating Demand or other Ensuring Supply areas of: Sales / Marketing; Customer Supply Chain; Demand & Supply Planning; Procurement - with direct people management.

Position Summary

Lead the Demand Planning team, at NiM level, in the effective application of Best Practice and compliant and efficient processes, as well as in the efficient use of tools (Excel, PowerBI, SAP APO, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning).

Formulate and implement demand planning strategies and policies which drive the quality of forecasting across NiM.

Facilitate the alignment of this Demand Plan with internal and external partners through the Monthly Business Planning process, and lead initiatives to deliver continuous improvements at all levels of the process.

Increase knowledge & capabilities of Demand Planners, and enhance knowledge of broader DSP team in demand planning and MBP.

Benchmark and share knowledge with the Demand Planning community beyond the Nestle Market.

Contribute to Strategic (3 years +) and Tactical (18-20 months) Business Planning via Monthly Business Planning and the Dynamic Planning Framework.

A day in the life of a Head of Demand Planning

• Manage and maintain a skilled and motivated team of Demand Planners (including Subject Matter Experts), who are competent in delivering a reliable forecast with a high level of insights, and can drive consensus demand plans with cross functional teams through the Monthly Business Planning process.
• Manage the relationship and the effective flow of information between the Demand Planning function and the internal business partners and key stakeholders within and outside Operations (e.g. Sales, Marketing and Finance).

• Participate actively in all Nestlé Demand Planning processes, including Monthly Business Planning (MBP), Dynamic Forecast (DF), Integrated Commercial Planning (ICP), Annual Volume Commitment (AVC), Annual Cost Estimate (ACE), and the Event Management Process (encompassing Innovations & Renovations and Promotions).

• Collaborate with the Planning Team to support the development and coaching of team members by establishing and maintaining an effective capability-building framework, ensuring resource allocation, and facilitating accurate onboarding for new employees.

• Ensure the necessary training and development or wider DSP team and other functions in Demand Planning, as required.
• Leverage system capabilities for all Demand Planning related tools and reports, and identify new ways of working making Demand Planning more efficient.
• Proactively engage with Demand Planning Network outside of the Market to share best practices and to drive continuous improvement and improve ways of working and efficiency.Ensure compliance to the latest standards/policies related to Demand Planning.
• Ensure sustained business and customer insights, through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

What will make you successful?

• A Degree/Diploma in Supply Chain or relevant qualification business qualification: (BSc Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science)
• At least 7 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management with a very good grasp of the different departments in SCM and of the end-to-end process.
• At least 4 years’ experience in Demand and Supply Planning (desirable to have had experience in Demand Planning).
• Strong Leadership role in one of the functions across Generating Demand or other Ensuring Supply areas of: Sales / Marketing; Customer Supply Chain; Demand & Supply Planning; Procurement - with direct people management.

• Accomplishment of key performance indicators including DPA M-1, M-3, W-3, and reduction of COF Reason Codes related to demand planning, working capital, and financial metrics.

• Implementation of tools as outlined in the digital roadmap.

• Proficient in the application of root cause analysis methodologies