Supply Chain Planner - Demand & Inventory

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Career growth opportunities

Medical aid

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a disciplined Supply Chain Planner to forecast demand, manage inventory, and align plans with sales and operations. This role supports a wide product portfolio and offers hybrid work between the office and remote days.

Ideal candidates have a degree in a related field, 3+ years in demand planning or inventory control, strong Excel and ERP skills, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or supply chain planning, preferably in FMCG.
• Proficiency in using demand planning software and advanced Excel; SAP or similar ERP is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate demand forecasts based on historical data, market intelligence, and promotional plans for FMCG products.
• Optimize inventory levels across the supply chain to meet service levels while minimizing costs and obsolescence in Pietermaritzburg.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations to align plans with business objectives and promotions.
• Create and manage production and replenishment plans for product availability and on-time delivery.
• Monitor KPIs such as forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and service levels.
• Identify and address potential disruptions, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Utilize APS and other software to support planning activities.
• Work with logistics and warehousing to ensure efficient flow of goods.

Skills

Forecasting

Demand planning

Excel

SAP/ERP

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in SCM/Logistics/IE/Business Admin

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a meticulous and forward-thinking Supply Chain Planner to join their team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical to ensuring the efficient flow of goods, optimizing inventory levels, and meeting customer demand across our client's extensive product portfolio. You will be responsible for forecasting, demand planning, and inventory management, utilizing sophisticated tools and methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of supply chain principles within the FMCG context, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a growing business and develop your career in supply chain management in a hybrid work setting. We are committed to fostering talent and providing a flexible working environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop accurate demand forecasts based on historical data, market intelligence, and promotional plans for FMCG products.
• Optimize inventory levels across the supply chain network to meet service level targets while minimizing holding costs and obsolescence in Pietermaritzburg.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and operations teams to align supply chain plans with business objectives and promotional activities.
• Create and manage production and replenishment plans to ensure product availability and on-time delivery.
• Monitor key supply chain performance indicators (KPIs) such as forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and service levels.
• Identify and address potential supply chain disruptions or risks, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Utilize advanced planning systems (APS) and other relevant software to support planning activities.
• Work closely with logistics and warehousing teams to ensure efficient flow of goods and timely order fulfillment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain function.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or supply chain planning, preferably within the FMCG industry.
• Proficiency in using demand planning software and advanced Excel skills. Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a strong advantage.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Excellent understanding of supply chain principles, including forecasting methodologies and inventory management techniques.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with a hybrid work model and ability to work effectively both remotely and from the Pietermaritzburg office.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between office and remote work.
• Significant opportunities for career growth and professional development within a leading FMCG company.
• Exposure to a wide range of products and supply chain challenges.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.