Demand Planner

Primary Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, the Demand Planner is responsible for developing, maintaining, and executing high-accuracy rolling demand forecasts. The ultimate goal is to optimize stock availability across national distribution channels while minimizing working capital tied up in excess inventory.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Forecasting & Demand Analysis

• Develop 12-to-24-month rolling statistical forecasts based on historical sales trends, market insights, and promotional calendars.
• Review and clear baseline historical data anomalies, ensuring seasonal variations and market shifts are accurately accounted for.
• Conduct root-cause analysis on forecast errors to continuously improve monthly forecast accuracy metrics.

2. Inventory Optimization & Replenishment

• Establish and monitor parameters for safety stock levels, re-order points, and targeted days-of-cover parameters.
• Review stock projections regularly to identify potential stock-outs or slow-moving and obsolete stock (SLOB).
• Coordinate directly with Material Planners and local suppliers to manage purchase orders and balance inbound product flows.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & S&OP Integration

• Lead monthly Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) alignment meetings with Commercial and Brand teams.
• Collaborate closely with marketing managers to quantify first-order requirements for New Product Introductions (NPI).
• Inform finance teams of stock-holding risks, volume changes, and pricing integrity updates affecting revenue projections.

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Job Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Statistics, Economics

Experience & Technical Skills

• Years of Experience: 3 to 6 years of dedicated experience in demand planning, forecasting, or merchandise planning within an FMCG, retail, or manufacturing environment.
• ERP System Knowledge: Proficiency in enterprise platforms such as SAP
• Data Literacy: Intermediate to Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, complex data modeling) and experience with Power BI.

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Strong numerical skill set with the capacity to translate massive, chaotic raw datasets into actionable commercial trends.
• Communication: Ability to clearly present quantitative data to non-technical stakeholders and assertively align competing objectives.
• Stress Tolerance: Calmly handles high-pressure deadlines, fast-paced retail trading environments, and sudden supply chain disruptions.