We are seeking an experienced and analytical Commercial Demand Planner to support in delivering our S&OP, commercial forecasting modelling, associated supply chain activities, demand planning process, inventory and product life cycle management and be a key contributor within an integrated business planning environment.
This role is critical to ensuring accurate product, customer, commercial and financial forecasting, stock management, availability across the business and ultimate delivery of commercial objectives. As such this role will operate and both a strategic and tactical level.
The ideal candidate will be degree educated with proven experience in the OTC pharmacy or FMCG industry with a excellent understanding of consumer demand cycles and latest / best in class S&OP, statistical modelling, IBP processes and procedures. In addition, they will also bring exceptional analytical, commercial, cross-functional collaboration and IT skills.
They will have the ability to bring commercial insight, statistical analysis and rigour to support decision-making and business growth. This is a hands on role to build the forecast and associated processes as well as leading the more technical discussions as part of an IBP cycle.
In addition they will also be involved in Quality Assurance administration. This role reports to the Operations Manager.
S&OP Key Responsibilities
Assist the monthly demand forecasting process to develop accurate short, medium, and long-term forecasts to achieve the organisation's strategic goals and targets.
Help build / develop accurate and timely demand forecasts (4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks) at SKU level for multiple product categories across seasons and across multiple channels.
Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Finance and Operations teams to collect relevant inputs and ensure consensus-based forecasts. Incorporating product lifecycle insights, external trends, promotional plans and channel-specific data into forecasts.
Analyse historical sales trends, market trends, seasonality, and promotional and marketing activity to improve the forecast process and level of accuracy. Monitor and adjust forecasts in response to sell-through performance, customer feedback and market changes.
Develop and subsequently manage demand planning tools (e.g Netstock) and systems to include statistical forecasting and modelling.
Develop and monitor key forecast metrics (bias, accuracy, forecast value add) and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
With the Operations and Finance teams, develop an inventory strategy to support both the demand forecast and achievement of inventory optimisation and working capital targets.
Take the lead in the S&OP process and meetings.
Oversee principal/products/channel/order type prioritisation rules and tools to optimise current stock, service levels and omni-channel performance.
Work closely with marketing team and StageGate process to manage Product Lifecycle within the demand forecast. Introducing new products and run out of old products, working closely with Sales and Operations to develop a coordinated inventory plan.
Join demand review meetings as part of the business planning and IBP process, aligning stakeholders on forecast assumptions and inventory needs.
Partner with operations and finance on the short term (less than 12 weeks) tactical demand and supply balancing.
If this sounds like you & you would like a confidential conversation, please don't hesitate to reach out to Claire on 086 201 5737
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