About the position
Purpose of the Role
Our client is seeking a strategic and data-driven Group Demand Planner to manage the demand planning process within Supply Chain & Logistics Operations. This role plays a critical part in budgeting, forecasting, and demand reviews, ensuring that demand plans align with business objectives, supply chain performance, customer service, costs, and financial results. The understanding of revenue and volume cycles including forecast bias and, forecast errors is critical to the business projection on inventory and sales. The role requires close collaboration across multiple business forums, including Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), to optimize supply chain efficiency. The ideal candidate will leverage advanced analytics, forecasting tools, and market intelligence to drive demand accuracy and provide actionable insights for business decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
Demand Planning & Forecasting
- Develop and maintain demand forecasts based on historical data, market trends, and business intelligence.
- Lead the demand planning process, ensuring forecasts align with supply chain, financial, and commercial objectives.
- Identify demand fluctuations and provide solutions to mitigate stock shortages, excess inventory, and lost sales.
- Ensure demand planning supports budgeting, financial planning, and operational efficiency.
- Utilize advanced forecasting tools such as APO, RRP, APS, PPDS, IBP, and SAP to improve forecasting accuracy.
Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Integration
- Play a key role in S&OP meetings, ensuring that demand plans align with supply, procurement, and sales strategies.
- Collaborate with sales, marketing, procurement, manufacturing, and supply planning teams to ensure supply chain alignment.
- Provide insights on demand risks, promotional impacts, and market trends to drive business decisions.
- Develop custom reports, dashboards, and simulations to facilitate informed S&OP discussions.
Advanced Analytics & Decision Support
- Use data intelligence and analytics to enhance demand planning accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Develop customized reports and simulations to support continuous improvement and business performance.
- Implement predictive analytics and scenario modeling to optimize demand and supply strategies.
- Monitor demand planning KPIs, such as forecast accuracy, bias, inventory turns, and customer service levels.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with finance and commercial teams to align demand forecasts with business targets.
- Partner with procurement and supply planning to ensure that supply constraints are proactively managed.
- Support logistics and distribution to enhance stock availability and reduce excess inventory.
Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Drive automation and process improvements in demand planning using cutting-edge forecasting tools.
- Identify areas for cost reduction, working capital optimization, and service level improvements.
- Stay updated on best practices, industry benchmarks, and technological advancements in demand planning.
Qualifications & Experience
- Relevant Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma in Supply Chain, Economics, Statistics, Business Management, or a related field. APICS, CIPS Qualifications would be an added advantage.
- Strong knowledge of S&OP, demand forecasting methodologies, and financial planning.
- Expertise in forecasting systems and tools (e.g., APO, RRP, APS, PPDS, IBP, SAP, and advanced Excel).
- Experience in data intelligence, business analytics, and predictive modelling.
Key Competencies:
- Analytical and data-driven mindset with a strong focus on problem-solving.
- Ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into business decisions.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills to work across multiple departments.
- Highly organized, proactive, and results-oriented with attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, managing multiple priorities.
Why Join?
- Lead demand planning strategies across a national FMCG operation.
- Work in a cross-functional, high-impact role with career growth opportunities.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Be part of a company that values innovation, efficiency, and supply chain excellence.
We are committed to locating the ideal job for you, so we kindly advise against paying for this service. There are no costs associated with securing employment with us.
Desired Skills:
- Attention to detail
- Analytical
- Strong Collaboration
