SENIOR PLANNING & INVENTORY SPECIALIST

Econofoods; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG retail company in Bellville, Western Cape, is seeking an Inventory Policy & Systems Lead. This role serves as the technical anchor of the planning ecosystem, owning systems governance and inventory policies while driving data governance and model logic. The ideal candidate will have experience with Slimstock and strong analytical skills. Join a vibrant team focused on delivering quality products and exceptional customer service, all while embracing a culture of recognition and appreciation.

Qualifications

• Experience in inventory management and supply chain planning.
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and reporting.
• Ability to train and develop team members.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain inventory policies aligned to category strategies.
• Serve as the functional owner for Slimstock configuration.
• Conduct audits on data quality and parameter accuracy.
• Develop advanced reporting for forecasting and procurement.

Skills

Analytical modeling

Data governance

Capacity planning

System optimization

Power BI reporting

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Slimstock

Power BI

Job description

Econofoods is a fast-growing FMCG Retail company specializing in frozen foods. Dedicated to delivering high-quality products at unbeatable prices, we prioritize customer satisfaction every single day. Our commitment to excellence, simplicity and our vibrant colourful people working at Econofoods sets us apart in the industry. Central to our identity is our unique HO HOLA Culture, characterized by appreciation and recognition. We celebrate the contribution of every individual and foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

We are currently seeking a dynamic individual to join our team and contribute to our ongoing success. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, collaborating with a diverse team, and embracing continuous learning and growth, Econofoods could be the perfect fit for you. Join us in our mission to provide quality products, value, and service to our customers, every single day.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Inventory Policy & Systems Lead is the technical anchor of the planning ecosystem. The role owns Slimstock configuration, inventory rules, model logic, segmentation, lifecycle design and parameter governance. It ensures that the planning system accurately represents operational, commercial and supply realities, resulting in predictable availability, controlled stock investment and reliable daily planning outcomes. The role combines system optimisation, analytical modelling, data governance, capacity logic and planning best practices into one cohesive function that supports and elevates the planning team.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Policy

• Define and maintain inventory policy aligned to category strategy and operational realities.
• Own service levels, safety stock logic, cover periods and order cycle methodologies.
• Drive the development and application of ABC/XYZ segmentation and lifecycle settings.
• Ensure policies reflect DC constraints, promotional behaviours and demand variability.

Slimstock Systems Governance

• Serve as the functional owner of Slimstock configuration, ensuring parameters, rules and settings behave as designed.
• Lead system enhancements, new module deployments and continuous improvement projects.
• Maintain segmentation profiles, calendars, replenishment cycles and model settings.
• Conduct regular audits on data quality, parameter accuracy and system health.

Capacity & Constraint Modelling

• Build and maintain throughput models for DCs and suppliers.
• Support promotional and seasonal capacity planning.
• Provide constraint-driven insight into S&OP and weekly planning meetings.

Analytical Insight & Reporting

• Develop advanced reporting and modelling to support forecasting, replenishment and procurement.
• Interpret structural exceptions and provide root-cause recommendations.
• Automated dashboards in Power BI for parameter accuracy, stock health and lifecycle performance.

Capability Development

• Train planners and buyers on Slimstock logic, forecasting principles and parameter interpretation.
• Develop procedural guides and training materials.

Outputs

• Inventory policy framework
• Parameter governance reports
• Capacity and constraint models
• System health dashboard
• Structural exception root-cause analysis
• Slimstock improvement roadmap

KPIs

• Availability (Store & DC)
• Forecast accuracy and bias
• Parameter accuracy
• Reduction of structural exceptions
• System stability
• Inventory efficiency (turns, DOH)
• Waste reduction
• Forecast and replenishment alignment