Senior Demand Planner

Job published: 21-02-2025

Job ID: 39824

Job Description

Our leading FMCG client whose headquarters are based in the UK, with offices in manufacturing and distribution facilities located in South Africa, the USA, and Spain is looking for a Senior Demand Planner to join their team.

This role is a key function within the Operations team, working closely with the Commercial, Finance, and internal Operations teams. The role will feed into the local and global Sales & Operational Planning (S&OP) process. The ideal candidate will be highly analytical, can build strong working relationships, and have a genuine proactive and ‘can do’ attitude. The role offers a variety of responsibilities beyond the core duties.

Key Responsibilities

1. Demand Forecasting:
   1. Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical sales data, market trends, and business insights.
   2. Utilise statistical tools and software to create short-term and long-term demand projections.
   3. Continuously update forecasts based on real-time sales data, market conditions, and promotional activities.
2. Inventory Management:
   1. Monitor inventory levels and turnover rates.
   2. Implement strategies to optimize inventory turnover and reduce holding costs.
   3. Collaborate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure proper inventory management.
   4. Work closely with sales, marketing, and finance teams to understand demand drivers and promotional activities.
   5. Communicate demand forecasts and supply plans to procurement, production, and logistics teams.
   6. Collaborate directly with key retailers and build relationships at the planner level (alongside sales).
   7. Participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings to ensure alignment between demand and supply.
3. Reporting & Analysis:
   1. Lead and utilise portals to pull forecasts and POS sales reports.
   2. Prepare regular reports on forecast accuracy, supply performance, and inventory status.
   3. Develop a goal to hit best forecast accuracy (3-5% variance).
   4. Analyse data to identify areas for improvement in demand and supply planning processes.
   5. Stay updated on industry best practices, new forecasting techniques, and supply chain trends.
   6. Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
   7. Train and mentor junior team members on demand and supply planning methods and tools.

Your Areas of Knowledge and Expertise:

1. Proven experience in a planning or analyst role.
2. Highly analytical with a high level of proficiency in the use of Excel.
3. ERP and forecasting system experience.
4. Excellent communication, presentation, relationship building, and influencing skills with the ability to run highly effective meetings.
5. Flexible, hardworking, and willing to get involved in projects and support the team as needed.

Location: City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality, WC