About the position
Our client, a leading organisation within the FMCG supply chain sector, is seeking an analytical and commercially minded Demand Planner to join its Supply Chain team based in Durban.
This role is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts that support inventory optimisation, product availability and service excellence across a fast-paced distribution environment. Working closely with Sales, Supply Planning, Finance and Operations, you will play a key role in improving forecast accuracy, supporting the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, and enabling informed business decisions.
This opportunity is ideally suited to a Demand Planner who enjoys working with data, influencing cross-functional stakeholders and driving continuous improvement in a high-volume FMCG environment.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
- A professional Supply Chain qualification (e.g. SAPICS CPIM) will be advantageous.
- 2-5 years' experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Inventory Planning or Supply Planning.
- Experience within an FMCG, food manufacturing, food production or high-volume distribution environment is essential.
- Exposure to depot or distribution centre operations will be advantageous.
- Previous SAP experience (SAP BW advantageous).
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Key Performance Areas:
- Execute forward demand planning (short, medium and long-term horizons) in line with business requirements.
- Analyse weekly and monthly sales data to develop accurate demand forecasts and drive consensus with cross-functional teams.
- Build and maintain statistical base forecasts using appropriate modelling techniques and historical demand analysis.
- Identify and correct anomalies in demand data and adjust forecasts based on business insights and market intelligence.
- Develop and manage promotional and event forecasts in collaboration with Sales teams, including tracking performance and assumptions.
- Present and publish consolidated demand forecasts to ensure alignment and a single version of the truth.
- Monitor and improve forecasting KPIs (accuracy, bias, hits and misses) and use insights to enhance forecast performance.
- Support innovation forecasting for new product introductions and manage forecast assumptions.
- Develop run-out forecasts for discontinued products to ensure smooth phase-out planning.
- Contribute to portfolio optimisation and SKU rationalisation through data analysis and recommendations.
- Support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, including preparation of reporting packs and input into supply planning discussions.
- Provide demand planning inputs into budgeting and financial forecasting cycles.
- Maintain master data integrity and support hierarchy updates where required.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Compile and deliver reports as required by management.
- Demonstrate effective self-management, accountability and coordination within a cross-functional environment.
Salary:
Competitive, market-related package
Desired Skills:
- Demand Planner"
- Forecasting
- SAPICS
