Retail Demand Planner (FMCG)

ARVO; Simondium; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic retail brand in Simondium is looking for a Retail Demand Planner to forecast demand and optimize inventory, particularly in the fresh food category. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience in demand planning. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in advanced Excel are essential. This permanent, full-time position offers a market-related salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in demand planning or inventory control.
• Experience in fresh food, FMCG, fashion, or homeware retail preferred.
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate demand forecasts for products based on data.
• Maintain optimal stock levels across stores and online.
• Analyse performance metrics to provide actionable insights.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Inventory management

Data interpretation

Excel (advanced)

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., Sage X3)

Forecasting/AI planning tools

Job description

Retail Demand Planner – Food Category (FMCG)

Our client, a dynamic and fast-growing brand in the retail and food space, is looking for an analytical and solution-oriented Retail Demand Planner to join their team. This role is key in forecasting demand, optimising inventory, and ensuring product availability across all retail channels, with a particular focus on the fresh food category.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in retail planning and merchandising, excellent numerical skills, and a strategic mindset to drive sales, manage stock effectively, and collaborate across multiple teams.

About our client:

• They are a well-respected organisation that excels in a lively, customer-centric environment, offering a diverse range of high-quality and thoughtfully selected products.
• Celebrated for their commitment to excellence, they work hard to create a shopping experience that blends quality, innovation, and careful attention to detail.
• Nestled in a breathtaking and unique location, this workplace matches the exceptional nature of their offerings. With a strong focus on teamwork, creativity, and ongoing growth, they are dedicated to providing extraordinary service while fostering a culture of collaboration and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Forecasting

• Develop accurate demand forecasts for both new and existing products based on historical data, sales trends, and business inputs
• Continuously improve forecast accuracy and reduce bias through data-driven analysis
• Ensure product availability across all locations to meet customer demand
• Contribute to planning strategies aligned with broader operational goals and KPIs

Inventory Management

• Maintain optimal stock levels across stores, warehouses, and online channels
• Coordinate closely with supply chain and warehouse teams to ensure smooth replenishment
• Monitor key indicators such as stock cover, service levels, forecast accuracy, availability, and waste costs
• Identify and manage slow-moving, excess, or obsolete stock
• Plan and adjust inventory levels to support new product launches, promotions, and campaigns

Sales & Performance Analysis

• Analyse performance metrics (sales, margins, availability) to provide actionable insights
• Create monthly reports to track demand planning KPIs: service levels, forecast accuracy, inventory levels, and write-offs
• Participate in business reviews and provide input for continuous improvement

Collaboration

• Work with buyers on product assortment and phasing plans
• Liaise with supply chain and logistics to manage lead times and deliveries
• Partner with store managers to understand on-the-ground demand and regional preferences

• Location:Simondium area.
• Type:Permanent, full time position based on site.
• Salary offered:Market related and dependent on experience

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in demand planning, merchandise planning, or inventory control
• Experience in fresh food, FMCG, fashion, or homeware retail is preferred
• Deep understanding of supply chain operations and inventory best practices
• Strong skills in Excel (advanced), ERP systems (e.g., Sage X3), PIM, and forecasting/AI planning tools
• Solid grasp of retail metrics such as sell-through, GMROI, stock turn, and waste percentage
• Exceptional data interpretation and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Fluent in Afrikaans and English