About the position
Our client is a leading import, export and seafood distribution company.
They are looking to employ a Sales Planning & Analytics Specialist (Wholesale) to play a critical role in enabling data-driven decision-making and operational excellence within the wholesale sales function. Reporting to the Sales Director and working closely with the Wholesale Manager, this role is responsible for generating accurate sales forecasts, monitoring performance against targets and budgets, and delivering structured reporting and insights. The specialist will analyse market and customer trends, support the creation of sales structures, and ensure internal accountability through well-organized meetings and performance tracking.
Requirements
- Proven ability to quickly earn the respect and trust of internal teams, with a presence that commands accountability
- Strong operational and management skills to ensure critical tasks and follow-ups are completed effectively
- Willingness to "get hands dirty" - detail-oriented and actively involved in execution, not just oversight
- Technically strong, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, data modelling) and experience with SAP.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and a structured approach to organizing information, tasks, and processes
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills with the ability to translate data into insights and actionable plans
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage cross-functional teams and keep them aligned
- Capable of explaining complex data and performance metrics in a clear and concise manner to non-technical stakeholders
- Resilient under pressure; able to work accurately and meet deadlines, even in high-demand environments
- A self-starter who operates independently and takes ownership of their role
- Prepared to work overtime when required to meet reporting deadlines or manage key planning cycles
- Demonstrates logical problem-solving ability and a methodical mindset
- A growth-oriented mindset with a desire to be challenged and continuously improve processes
Duties & Responsibilities
Key responsibilities:
Sales Performance & Forecasting
- Continuously monitor actual sales vs. forecast across wholesale channels and highlight deviations with explanations
- Assist in the development of data-driven sales forecasts, using historical data, customer trends, and market intelligence
- Prepare and update weekly and monthly forecast accuracy reports for review by the Sales Director and Wholesale Manager
- Track and report on budget vs. actual sales performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Proactively identify and investigate underperformance or missed targets and escalate to relevant stakeholders
Data Analysis & Reporting - Design and maintain sales performance dashboards and reporting tools in Excel, SAP, and/or Power BI
- Analyse market trends, pricing data, and customer behaviour to support sales strategy and stock planning
- Generate weekly, monthly, and ad hoc sales and performance reports, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and relevance
- Prepare structured KPI tracking reports for individual sales team members and wholesale accounts
- Support margin analysis, stock movement insights, and product performance breakdowns where required
Operational Support - Lead and coordinate weekly wholesale team meetings, ensuring agenda preparation, attendance, and clear action points
- Drive accountability by tracking action items, deadlines, and follow-through from sales team members
- Create and maintain internal processes and SOPs to ensure structure and discipline in wholesale operations
- Ensure timely consolidation of internal reporting inputs from cross-functional departments (e.g. Finance, Supply Chain)
- Assist the Sales Director with performance reviews, meeting summaries, and planning sessions
System Management - Extract and validate data from SAP for reporting and reconciliation
- Troubleshoot and resolve SAP-related reporting discrepancies or data issues
- Liaise with IT/Finance to enhance system reports and templates where needed
- Maintain an accurate and up-to-date sales master data file (customers, product codes, pricing structures)
Budgeting & Planning - Assist in annual budgeting processes, including preparation of sales targets and growth assumptions
- Support monthly reforecasting activities, incorporating updated sales data and business insights
- Collaborate with finance to ensure accurate accruals and alignment between forecast and general ledger postings
Audit & Compliance - Ensure sales data and reports are compliant with internal audit standards and company policies
- Support internal and external audit processes by providing timely and accurate documentation and explanations
- Maintain up-to-date digital filing of all reports, forecasts, meeting minutes, and internal performance reviews
General / Administrative - Manage recurring reporting calendar and ensure deadlines are met
- Lead or support ad hoc projects requested by the Sales Director or Wholesale Manager
- Perform deep-dives into specific accounts, product lines, or customer segments as needed
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to reporting accuracy, process automation, and team accountability
- Support in preparing presentations or data packs for executive leadership or board-level reviews
Desired Experience & Qualification
BCom or similar accounting degree
Package & Remuneration
Experience needed:
- 3-5 years' experience in a data analytics, sales operations, or commercial planning role
- Proficient in SAP, Excel, DAX, Power BI tools
- Strong background in statistics and business data analysis
- Ideally experience in a wholesale or FMCG environment
Desired Skills:
- data analytics
- commercial planning
- SAP
- DAX
- Power BI
Desired Work Experience:
Desired Qualification Level:
