Sales & Operations Planning Manager

Aspen Pharma Group; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspen Pharma Group in Gqeberha, South Africa is seeking a seasoned Supply Chain Planner to align sales forecasts, production plans and inventory with customer demand while controlling costs.

You will lead S&OP processes, develop demand forecasts with Sales, ensure production plans meet capacity and material availability, monitor inventory, and collaborate across functions to mitigate risks.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in production planning, demand planning or supply chain management.
• Experience in manufacturing; knowledge of ERP systems and planning tools.
• SAP proficiency and pharmaceutical manufacturing experience advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate S&OP process to align forecasts, downloads, production plans and objectives.
• Develop and maintain demand forecasts with Sales/Commercial teams to achieve targets.
• Ensure production plans align with demand, capacity, material availability and requirements.
• Monitor inventory to ensure product availability while minimising excess and obsolescent stock.
• Collaborate with Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Engineering, Human Capital and Quality to resolve planning challenges.
• Identify and mitigate risks from shortages, delays, capacity constraints and QA/QC issues.
• Monitor KPIs including forecast accuracy, production plan adherence, OTIF and service levels.
• Analyse planning data to find opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Prepare and present S&OP reports, forecasts and recommendations to management.

Skills

Forecasting

S&OP coordination

Demand planning

Inventory management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Planning tools

Job description

To ensure that sales forecasts, production plans, stock levels and customer demand are aligned. The role ensures that the business has the right materials, resources and production capacity to meet customer demand while controlling costs and maintaining operational efficiency.

Main Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align sales forecasts, customer downloads, production plans and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain demand forecasts in collaboration with Sales and Commercial teams, to achieve budgeted recovery and revenue targets
• Ensure production plans align with customer demand, available capacity, shift structure, material availability and operational requirements.
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure product availability while minimising excess and obsolete stock.
• Collaborate with Production, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Engineering, Human Capital and Quality to resolve planning challenges and ensure operational alignment.
• Identify and mitigate risks relating to material shortages, production delays, capacity constraints, QA/ QC constraints and customer deliveries.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including forecast accuracy, production plan adherence, OTIF, budgeted recoveries, safety stock levels and customer service index.
• Analyse planning data and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and optimise inventory.
• Prepare and present S&OP reports, forecasts and recommendations to management to support business decision making including SSMP and launch activities
• Ensure planning activities comply with company policies, quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

Job Requirements

Qaulification

• Grade 12
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field.

Experience

• 5-8 years’ relevant experience in production planning, demand planning or supply chain management.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge of ERP systems and planning tools.
• SAP proficiency is advantageous Pharmaceutical manufacturing experience would be advantageous