Our leading FMCG client whose headquarters are based in the UK with offices both 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 :
- Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical sales data market trends and business insights.
- Utilise statistical tools and software to create shortterm and longterm demand projections.
- Continuously update forecasts based on realtime sales data market conditions and promotional activities.
2. Inventory Management :
- Monitor inventory levels and turnover rates.
- Implement strategies to optimize inventory turnover and reduce holding costs.
- Collaborate with warehouse and logistics teams to ensure proper inventory management.
- Work closely with sales marketing and finance teams to understand demand drivers and promotional activities.
- Communicate demand forecasts and supply plans to procurement production and logistics teams.
- Collaborate directly with key retailers and build relationships at the planner level (alongside sales).
- Participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings to ensure alignment between demand and supply.
5. Reporting & Analysis
- Lead and utilise portals to pull forecasts and POS sales reports
- Prepare regular reports on forecast accuracy supply performance and inventory status.
- Develop a goal to hit best forecast accuracy 35 variance)
- Analyse data to identify areas for improvement in demand and supply planning processes.
- Stay updated on industry best practices new forecasting techniques and supply chain trends.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Train and mentor junior team members on demand and supply planning methods and tools.
Your Areas of Knowledge and Expertise :
- Proven experience in a planning or analyst role.
- Highly analytical with a high level of proficiency in the use of Excel.
- ERP and forecasting system experience
- Excellent communication presentation relationship building and influencing skills with the ability to run highly effective meetings.
- Flexible hardworking and willing to get involved in projects and support the team as needed.
- FMCG experience is desirable
Required Experience :
Senior IC
Key Skills
Forecasting,Microsoft Access,Math,SAP,Supply Chain Experience,Analysis Skills,SAP APO,SAP Supply Chain Management,Production Planning,SAP ERP,ERP Systems,MRP
Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience : years
Vacancy : 1
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Demand Planner • eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa