About the position
JOB PURPOSE:
To lead the formulation of strategic business plans including forecasting, capacity analysis, inventory management and stakeholder (Operations, Sales, Commercial, Raw Materials, Logistics, and Distribution) engagement, and ensure rigorous and efficient operations planning towards achievement of productivity targets and meeting bulk and finished goods customer needs and drive business growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demand Forecasting
- Develop accurate production schedules to ensure efficient operations and meet sales forecasts and customer demand.
- Perform data analysis and historical trends to forecast demand, and production requirements for operating units
- Calculate and analyse variations between budget, forecast and actual sales.
- Update volumes in case of changes in business requirements.
- Support Sales & Marketing through provision of historical data, to inform their budget volumes.
Sales & Operations Planning and Tracking
- Develop strategic plans to optimize production, distribution, and sales of bulk and finished goods, track execution and recommend corrective action to relevant stakeholders, real-time.
- Conduct market analysis, assess competitor activities, and identify growth opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.
- Conduct analyses of periodic plans against actuals and make timeous adjustments to overall operational plans to ensure all customer demands are covered.
- Maintain and update the production tracker (plan vs actual) with the Operations management team.
- Collaborate with the Commercial team to ensure that there are sufficient bulk raw materials on contract to meet production requirements.
- Ensure constant adherence and compliance to Company Policies and procedures, security standards, local by-laws, standards, and legislation to minimise all risks pertaining to company assets and protection of life.
Inventory and Capacity Management
- Formulate Implement inventory optimization strategies to minimize costs while maintaining adequate stock levels to meet business needs.
- Monitor inventory levels, procurement, and storage of raw materials and finished products.
- Monitor and report on all bulk stock levels at all storage locations.
- Ensure all inbound logistics and production planning are aligned within capacities.
- Ensure that model stock levels are adhered to for all finished goods.
Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, i.e. Sales, Commercial, and Operations
- Take the lead in developing and maintaining a cohesive multidisciplinary team including sales, commercial, planning, logistics, production/operations, and finance to ensure productivity and compliance.
- Facilitate synergy across various departments to ensure alignment to plans and execution.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to address stakeholder concerns and support business growth initiatives
Performance Tracking & Control
- Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure the success of the sales and operations planning function.
- Monitor performance against targets, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions as needed to drive continuous improvement and achieve business goals.
QUALIFYING ATTRIBUTES:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, Economics, Finance, or related field
Experience:
- 5 years proven experience in operations planning, supply chain, and business development within the agricultural or food processing industry.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data interpretation and forecasting techniques
- Knowledge
- Business Acumen
- Operations/production process flow
- Financial Analysis, budgeting, forecasting.
- Strategic Planning methodologies: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals despite capacity constraints
- Applicable laws i.e. Competition etc.
- Supply chain processes Management Skills
- Computer proficiency, MS Office & SAP
- Analytical and Integration
- Strategic planning
- Problem management
- Project management
- Verbal and written Communication Skills
- Relationship building
- Stakeholder engagement and management
- Collaboration
- Negotiation and Influencing
- Leadership Skills
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, deal with multiple issues, and cope with pressure
- Adaptive and responsive to changing business demands and priorities
- Innovative
Behavioural Attributes
- Customer orientated
- Logical and consequential thinking
- Agile
- Inclination to function independently as well as part of a team
- Professional
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to think critically, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term strategic plans.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust strategies and priorities in response to changing business needs and priorities.
- Collaborative: Willingness to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve common goals.
- Resilience: Capacity to remain resilient in the face of challenges, setbacks, or failures, and maintain focus on achieving objectives.
- Ethical Integrity: Commitment to ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity in all business dealings.
- Innovative: Willingness to explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to drive business growth and competitive advantage
Desired Skills:
- Demand Forecasting
- Sales and Operations Planning and Tracking
- Inventory and capacity management
- Stakeholder management
- Performance Tracking
- Performance Analysis
- Business administration
- Agricultural knowledge
- Supply Chain Management
- logistics
- Food processing
- SAP
- MS Office
- Critical thinking
Desired Work Experience:
Desired Qualification Level:
