Planner: Demand

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd is seeking a Demand Planning specialist to drive accurate forecasts and buffer management for key Culinary product categories in South Africa. You will support S&OP processes, monitor demand patterns, and coordinate with Sales and Supply Chain to ensure product availability and optimal service levels.

The role emphasizes analytical rigor, collaboration across functions, and continuous improvement within a high‑performance FMCG environment in Paarl.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant field (maths, stats, industrial engineering, SCM, logistics).
• 3–5 years in supply chain or demand planning (desirable).
• Experience in FMCG is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain demand plans for products, including seasonal and promotional periods.
• Monitor trends and patterns to produce reliable demand projections.
• Adjust buffer levels aligned with sales plans and stock risk.
• Collaborate with Sales, customers and Supply Chain to improve service levels.
• Provide updates on stock status, risks and availability.

Skills

Analytical

Organised

Stakeholder‑friendly

Education

Degree in Mathematics/Statistics/Industrial Eng

Tools

Dynamics GP

Sizanani

Symphony IBP

Job description

About Premier FMCG

Premier FMCG is at the heart of South Africa's FMCG industry, delivering trusted, iconic brands across our Bakery, Milling, Confectionery, Home & Personal Care and Culinary divisions. We are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a high-performance growth culture. We empower our people to strive for excellence ensuring that our products and people make a difference in the everyday lives of our consumers.

Job Purpose

To provide demand planning and logistics process management support for key product categories in the Culinary. The role is responsible for generating accurate demand forecasts, managing inventory buffers, supporting customer service levels and driving continuous improvement through the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process.

Key Responsibilities

The core functions define the key areas of responsibility and expected outputs through which the role delivers value to the business.

• Develop, execute and maintain accurate demand plans for new, existing, seasonal and promotional products.
• Monitor market trends, demand patterns and business insights to generate reliable projections.
• Adjust buffer levels in line with sales plans, stock risks and promotional activity.
• Work closely with Sales, customers and Supply Chain teams to improve service levels and product availability.
• Provide ongoing communication and updates regarding stock status, risks and expected availability.
• Identify opportunities to meet customer demand during periods of constrained supply.
• Participate in risk assessment and mitigation activities relating to supply and demand.
• Support capacity and resource planning across logistics and supply chain functions.
• Identify improvement opportunities within the S&OP cycle and demand planning processes.
• Support best practices to enhance forecast accuracy and reduce operating costs.
• Drive efficiency through improved systems utilisation and standardised processes.
• Train and support planners and site teams on demand planning and buffer management processes.
• Document and share best practices and insights across the organisation.
• Analyse daily and weekly system reports to identify trends, risks and variances.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to confirm unusual trends or demand deviations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on systems such as Dynamics GP, Sizanani or Symphony IBP.

Experience and Qualifications

• Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics or a related qualification (essential).
• 3-5 years' experience in supply chain or demand planning (desirable).
• 1-2 years' experience within the FMCG sector (desirable).

Skills and Competencies

The following capabilities are highlighted as important for success in the role:

• Highly analytical with strong attention to detail.
• Organised, systematic and process-driven.
• Strong relationship builder with a collaborative working style.
• Resilient, adaptable and able to work under pressure.
• Proactive, innovative and committed to continuous improvement.
• High level of dependability and professionalism.

Diversity & Inclusion

Premier FMCG is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including people living with disabilities. By applying, you consent to the processing of your personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act) for recruitment purposes.

Closing Date: 06 November 2026