Innovation & Demand Planner - Amea

Bacardi; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Bacardi is seeking an Innovation Planning Manager in Johannesburg to lead new product launch projects. The role demands excellent project management skills while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely deliveries. The ideal candidate will have a background in supply chain and strong communication abilities, along with a proven track record of delivering results in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive Pay Package

Competitive Holiday/Paid Time Off

Retirement/Pension Plan

Medical Insurance

Calm Meditation App Subscription

Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Experience within Supply Chain management.
• Ability to influence and drive results cross-functionally.
• Strong self-driven leadership qualities.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional supply chain projects and manage timelines.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with various teams for project execution.
• Analyze demand and communicate project progress effectively.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Leadership

Tools

SAP

MS Office

MS Teams

Job description

[Please note this is a Direct Search led by Bacardi, Applications from agencies will not be accepted nor will fees be paid for unsolicited CVs.]

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

As Innovation Planning Manager you will lead Innovation Planning Processes for New Product Launches, ensuring that you are supporting the commercial strategy and vision by considering information from key stakeholders (Marketing, Procurement, Commercial, Sales and Supply Chain) to Supply Projects successfully & on time. Exceptional communication skills are required as this position is the single point of contact for the Region between Supply Chain, Commercial and Brand teams.

About You y

You are a natural, self-driven leader with strong project management and influencing skills and a have a particular bias for getting things done and delivered. You champion what is right for the consumer while ensuring strong commercial results through meeting time to market expectations. You have a solid background in End-to-End Supply Chain whilst understanding the importance of adapting to individual market needs. A positive influencer with a proven track record in delivering results through strong stakeholder collaboration

RESPONSIBILITIES - WITH OUR CONSUMER AT THE HEART YOUR KEY FOCUS WILL BE

• You will lead Regional Supply Chain Projects on new launches, brand repositioning and line extension projects. Maintain project plans, including timelines, milestones, while ensuring projects are delivered on time.
• Act as a secondary project manager focusing on AMEA regional market ensuring that conceptual Innovation is developed considering the strategic goals of both the business and the supply chain.
• Work cross-functionally with Supply Chain / Operations team for Innovations following the Gating process for projects. Assist SC teams (Master Data, Compliance, Registration, Forecasting, Sampling, Finance) for supply readiness.
• Actively participate in project meetings, identify and mitigate project risks (minimise write off), proactively address any challenges that may arise during the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Planning team (Demand and Supply) for allocation confirmation, route to market while reducing supply chain complexity.
• Effectively communicate project timeline/progress with Supply Planning, Customer Service teams for orders to market. Partner Regional & Local Brand Teams to ensure they are fully aware of project progress, including any risks to plan.
• Work closely with the Bacardi Commercial Innovation Team and Distributor partners to effectively communicate timing, market allocation deadlines, and product information for items go-to-market execution.
• Demand analysis and reporting to ensure that the regional demand looks aligned to business expectations and current performance trends in the markets.
• Partner with market SC teams to support the delivery of primary KPIs like Forecast acc., Bias, DIOH, excess stock etc.
• Strive for continuous improvement in planning processes like demand reviews, S&OP etc.
  
  

SKILLS - THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO CREATE YOUR LEGACY

• Experience within Supply Chain (Master Data, Demand & Supply Planning, Customer Service, Logistics)
• Solid understanding of Demand and Supply planning
• Knowledge of SAP (ECC/APO/IBP) / MS Office / Teams
• Project Planning, Time Management, Problem Solving, Analytical Skills & Attention to detail
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) for communication across global and cross-functional teams. Must communicate "up" effectively at the Manager, Director level.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Proven time management and multiple task management
• Data driven & analytical, ability to interpret data and scenario plan
• Self driven problem solver with experience of minimising project linked write off costs
• Experience of Spirits industry, Brands, categories, legalities & customers an advantage
  
  

LEADERSHIP AGILITY

At Bacardi we care deeply about finding brilliant talent who can bring the following personal attributes to help elevate our 3Fs: Fearless, Family, Founder culture to the next level.

• Belonging: You have a strong capacity to create a culture of ‘Belonging’, where people feel appreciated for who they are, what they do, and who they can become
• Self-Awareness: You have high levels of self-awareness, are reflective and know yourself well, understanding both your own strengths and weaknesses and your impact on others
• People Agility: You bring a deep ability to understand and relate to people and navigate through tough situations to harness and multiply collective performance
• Results Agility: You demonstrate consistent delivery of results in first-time situations by inspiring teams, exhibiting a presence that builds confidence in yourself and others.
• Mental Agility: You can think critically to penetrate complex problems and expand the possibilities by making fresh connections. You think strategically whilst being execution focused and bring creativity to the challenges you’re presented with
• Change Agility: You have a deep natural curiosity, desire to experiment and ability to effectively deal with the heat of change. You have a growth and learning mindset: ready to test, stumble, learn and apply from experience
  
  

Disclaimer: Bacardi seeks talent from all backgrounds to bring diversity of thought, agility and capability to our organization across the globe. We promote a working environment where all employees are treated and rewarded fairly. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination that adversely affects individuals or groups on the basis of national origin, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, and any other legally protected aspect of a person’s identity.

U.S. applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

Perks of Working for us

At Bacardi, we are committed to providing our Primos (employees) with a comprehensive Total Rewards package of compensation, benefits, incentives, allowances, well-being, and much more to meet the needs of themselves and their families. It goes beyond just Cash! The total rewards program is based on pay for performance, whereby the incentive programs are linked to company and individual performance.

Compensation, Paid Time Off & Retirement:

• Competitive Pay Package
• Competitive Holiday/Paid Time Off, plus additional days offered ( i.e., volunteer day, allowing you to give back to the community)
• Retirement/Pension Plan
  
  

Health & Wellbeing

• Medical, Critical Illness, and Life Insurance
• Calm Meditation App subscription (free)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Best-in-class, family-friendly, and inclusive leave policies
  
  

Additional Benefits

The benefits /perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Bacardi, your work location, and are subject to change.

Some benefits may be subject to an employee contribution.

Some benefits may be fully or partially subsidized. Incentive plans are linked to the nature of your employment and can vary based on region, market, function or brand.