Volume Planning Specialist

Profile Personnel; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company based in Sandton is seeking an experienced Volume Planner to oversee forecasting, planning, and inventory management to meet market demands. Responsibilities include leading sales forecasting, developing production plans, and collaborating with multiple departments to ensure seamless operations. The ideal candidate must have at least 5 years of automotive industry experience and a relevant degree, with strong analytical and communication skills. Join us to drive effective volume planning and decision-making in our dynamic business environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in the automotive industry, preferably in sales, product planning, or volume planning.
• Ability to analyze complex data and provide logical feedback.
• Strong written and verbal skills for conveying plans and updates.

Responsibilities

• Lead the sales forecasting process using the IVA system.
• Develop and maintain production plans that align with market requirements.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of wholesale and stock data to Finance.

Skills

Data analysis

Presentation skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

3-year National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Finance, Marketing, or Business Management

Post-graduate qualification

Tools

IVA system

Excel

Job description

Overview

Based in Sandton within the Brand department, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring efficient and effective forecasting, planning, and allocation of production volumes to meet market demand and business objectives. Reporting to the Volume Planning Manager, this role involves overseeing planning processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leveraging data-driven insights to optimize production schedules and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Sales Forecasting: Lead the sales forecasting process using the IVA system to ensure that wholesale and stock reporting aligns closely with a realistic outlook.
• Production Planning: Develop and maintain production plans that balance market requirements with manufacturing capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with business strategies.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with sales, product, and manufacturing departments to synchronize production plans with the sales forecast and product launches/ changes.
• Data Management: Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data to support volume planning decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance volume planning processes and methodologies to improve accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness to market changes.
• Wholesale & Stock Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate reporting of wholesale and stock data to the Finance department, adhering to set dates and times.
• Model Mix Planning: Develop and implement model mix planning strategies for each product to meet market demands and optimize production efficiency.
• Reporting & Communication: Provide regular updates, reports and presentations to senior management, highlighting key insights, potential risks, and recommended actions to achieve volume planning objectives.
• Systems Reporting: Management of the operation of group systems supporting vehicle planning and ordering functionality (EPL/FPL/NADIN).
• Long Term Planning: Lead the planning process using the IVA system and ensure accurate reporting for the retail, wholesale and stock planning.
• Product change management: Management of run-out and run-in planning of model types and model derivatives to minimize obsolescence and cost.
• IVA system management: Management of the system including liaising with IS on systems requirements, overseeing the admin functionality and liaison with other companies.

Qualifications

• A formal 3-year National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Finance, Marketing, or Business Management from a recognized institution; a post-graduate qualification would be an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum 5 years in the automotive industry, preferably in sales, product planning, or volume planning

Essentials

• Ability to analyze complex data and provide logical feedback.
• Accuracy in data analysis and reporting under pressure.
• Addressing discrepancies and finding effective solutions.
• Managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal skills for conveying plans and updates, with good presentation abilities.
• Working effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Adjusting strategies to changing market conditions.
• Leading and mentoring junior team members, driving process improvements.
• Balancing projects, reporting, and ad-hoc tasks efficiently.
• Aligning planning strategies with business goals.
• Understanding automotive industry dynamics, market trends, and consumer behavior for informed decision-making

Added Advantage

• Knowledge and understanding of Group systems, forecasting tools (e.g., IVA system), and Excel; a strong understanding of the Passenger product range.

Should you wish to apply please email your CV through to Marlene Williams at [e-mail]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you not receive a response within 14 days please consider your application unsuccessful. We will keep your CV on our database for any other relevant roles that may arise.