About the position
Introduction
A core function of the Supply Chain Planning Manager is to understand the strategic objectives of the business and drive the implementation of the operating plans in the planning teams. The Supply Chain Planning Manager is responsible to manage and guide operational planning teams by ensuring the use of standardized processes, tools and reports required to perform planning responsibilities. The Supply Chain Planning Manager is required to continuously focus on improving sales and waste in stores, whilst delivering projects to improve supply chain profitability. The Supply Chain Planning Manager must also ensure effective integration and communication with all cross-functional teams and external stakeholders and drive their teams to contribute and execute sales strategies and trade plans.
Duties & Responsibilities
Supply Chain Profitability
Have a good understanding of the value chain cost and income components, and the role of the SC Planning team to influence these levers
Identify opportunities for cost reduction and implement operational changes to reduce distribution costs without negatively impacting KPI's (waste, availability, sales)
Identify and highlight system, process, report, and resource requirements needed for teams to action value chain efficiencies and vendor income projects
Develop and maintain trust relationships with vendors
Define and drive the implementation of efficiency initiatives with vendors that will result in joint financial benefit
Strategic Sales Planning
Ensure compliance to the promo and event planning processes
Provide guidance to teams on how to generate sales plans for each specific category
Work with Commercial to achieve planning budgets and targets
Escalate significant differences between sales targets, commercial sales plan, and the retail sales forecasts to Senior Planning Manager
Track total category planning numbers and highlight risks (forecast, budgets, orders, receipts, sales)
Provide input on promo & pricing strategies based on category performance and annualization
Provide input on range based on sales, waste, and profitability
Strategic Operational Execution
Provide guidance and strategic input to planners on how to execute sales plans for each specific category
Ensure the use of standardised planning and reporting tools for accurate sales planning and execution
Ensure teams know when to influence the forecast and ensure they are using the correct tools to accurately do so
Track total category KPI performance, highlight risks and identify and drive the implementation of opportunities within team
Ensure all planners use the correct tools and reports to understand root cause on poor KPI performance and implement solutions that will proactively reduce/avoid issues
Continuous Improvement & Standardisation
Work with the planning HOD to formulate strategies that will result in improved ways of work through improved processes, planning tools, reports, and system developments
Define and quantify the business impact of identified improvement initiatives
Ensure successful implementation of new processes, tools, and reports in operational teams
Proactively provide input and suggestions on improved ways of work and planning processes
Work with the planning HOD to create an annual and quarterly operating plan with key focus areas that are aligned to the supply chain purpose and broader business strategy
Drive Improved Stakeholder Engagement
Build & maintain good working relationships with all stakeholders
Collaborate with the required internal stakeholders to create accurate and realistic sales plans that reflect business, category, and promotional strategies
Work with Commercial to understand department strategies for accurate planning and execution
Work closely with the technical team to ensure the accurate maintenance of shelf life in SAP
Communicate with SET on store specific issues and accompany them on store visits
Work with the New Product Development teams to ensure the timeous execution of new product launches
Share promotional forecast with vendors as set out in the T-4 promo planning process
Work with vendors and commercial to understand the root cause of poor strike rate and work on solutions to proactively avoid strike rate issues
Team Leadership and People Development
Create clear direction, guidance, and support for your teams to execute the required responsibilities
Identify training opportunities through the observation of planner performance or consultation with teams
Desired Experience & Qualification
BCOM Logistics / Degree in Quantitative Analytics / Operational Research / Industrial Engineering / Applied Mathematics
2+ years supply chain planning and at least 1 year within Pick n Pay
Knowledge of IT systems and tools used for planning i.e. SAP ERP, F&R, Analysis, Power BI
Information technology and automation knowledge
Economics and market dynamics
Understand cost-to-serve
Knowledge of Commercial Strategy and budgets
Knowledge of DC and Stores Operations
Understanding of the processes and procedures within the division
Sound knowledge of business/system rules used by planning teams
Cross-functional and stakeholder collaboration
Competencies
Understanding of the retail value chain and cost and income elements that affects profitability
Understanding of PnP planning principles, KPIs and business impact
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Leadership skills with the ability to create a motivational working environment for teams
Interpersonal relationship and communication skills
