Job Description RCL FOODS is seeking a Demand Planner to join our Vector Logistics Division. The role will be based in Westville and report to the Demand Planning Manager. RCL FOODS is looking for an individual that analytical, strategic and calculated. RCL FOODS entrusts the Demand Planner to work as part of a cross-functional team (sales, supply planning and finance) to deliver the sales forecasting and demand management process within Vector.
Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Planning: Execute the degree of forward planning (3 - 6 months, 2 years etc.) as defined by management. Sales Analysis: On a weekly and monthly basis, analyse actual sales to generate the forecast, make recommendations, and drive continuous improvements to gain consensus with the cross-functional team on the forward forecast (including base and event). Base Demand Planning and Forecasting: Analyse historical demand and remove anomalies (including outliers) from the norm using historical information, knowledge of the category and through getting input from the sales teams. Identify the most appropriate statistical forecasting model for each product group in order to generate an accurate base forecast. Generate the base demand plan using the most appropriate statistical forecasting algorithm and make adjustments where necessary. Understand any variance between actual customer demand and the statistical forecast and appropriately challenge, change and make recommendations to the base forecast. Events/Promotions Forecasting: Work with the customer team to determine promotional activities volume and track the effectiveness of the promotion (costs vs promotional volume increment). Question the promotional volume based on the success/failure of past promotions. Use the promotions grid and related discussions with the sales team as input into the event forecasts. Work closely with the sales team to document the assumptions for each promotion, driving clarity on volume, price and customers. Consolidated Demand Forecast and Continuous Improvement: Present forecasts along with assumptions to get a consensus forecast to be used by the Business. Publish the agreed forecast in an appropriate format to ensure transparency and one set of numbers. This will include publishing the information on the intranet and uploading into SAP and the finance forecasting tools. Use the agreed forecasting KPI's to drive improvement in the forecasts and to minimise volatility. Use these KPI's to assist when analysing the historical data while generating the forecasts. Publish the forecasting KPI's in the agreed format, in line with the agreed timeline for weekly reports and monthly scorecards. Innovation Management: Work with the sales, supply planning and procurement teams to develop the forecast for new products using appropriate forecasts copied from other products plus appropriate market intelligence. Document all assumptions: Track and publish KPI’s for each new innovation. When discontinuing a product, work closely with the supply planning team to ensure accurate ‘bleedout’ forecasts to enable a smooth run-out process. Use the agreed forecasting KPI’s (bias, hits and misses and accuracy) to drive improvement in the forecasts and to minimize volatility. Use these KPI’s to assist when analysing the historical data while generating the forecast. Publish the forecasting KPI’s in the agreed format, in line with the agreed timeline for weekly reporting and monthly scorecards. Portfolio Management: Complete the data analysis to provide input into discussions on portfolio management. Make recommendations on where opportunities exist to remove SKU's from the portfolio using agreed guidelines. Sales and Operations Planning: Work closely with the Demand Planning Manager and finance team to deliver the Sales and Operations Planning pack, ensuring that the information is available on time and is accurate. Using the forecasting and customer service KPI's, work closely with the supply planning team to deliver improvements in customer service, particularly by providing insight into stock holding by branches to ensure that promotions are delivered. Provide the required data to the Finance team in the appropriate format to enable the annual and quarterly budget planning process. If you meet the requirements for this role click “Apply”, this will direct you to the RCL FOODS Careers Page. If you are not a registered applicant on our system, kindly take time to create a profile to avoid missing out.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor of Commerce/Economics degree or related Supply Chain National Diploma (eg: SAPICS CPIM) or BEng (Industrial Engineer) 2 - 3 years supply and/or demand planning experience including depot / stock replenishment and forecasting Previous experience on SAP and SAP BW would be an advantage
