Demand Planner

This role owns and executes the forecasting process. Jointly responsible (with the Commercial Team) to forecast consumer demand for the Division’s products. Works with Purchasing and Logistics to ensure optimal inventory levels and supports the sales and operations teams in meeting customer needs.

We are seeking to recruit suitable candidates for the following position:

DEMAND PLANNER

Major Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Forecast Preparation
  • Prepare Sales Forecast templates for Brand Managers to complete.
  • Lead and execute the monthly Forecast Review Meetings where the Collaborative Forecast Review process takes place.
  • Perform statistical analysis to predict long-term sales forecast (18–24 month outlook).
  • Make notes regarding promotions (past performance & future planned), trends, distribution changes and lost sales.
  • Perform Gap Analysis against Budget / Target.
  • Consolidate and share the final demand plan by SKU, in cases, with an 18 to 24 month outlook.
  • Ensure the accuracy of the Plan loaded into VAI.
  • Review the Demand Plan in dollars (published by Finance)
• Support for Sales & Operations Execution Process
  • Review the Demand Plan collaboratively with the Purchasing team. Closely work with buyers to achieve successful execution of the plan.
  • Weekly Sales & Operational Planning Meetings, acting as the link between the Commercial and Operations Team in the quest to execute the demand plan.
  • Manage Short-term requests for inventory (out of forecast/lead time) to close gaps.
  • Weekly Sales Monitoring. Closely monitor the actual performance and drive for immediate corrective action and recovery plans.
  • Calculate and Report on Demand Plan Accuracy and other Planning metrics and drive for continuous improvement via root cause analysis.
• Planning Data:
• Publish SKU Rationalisation information (Slow Movers, Obsoletes)
• Manage SKU Classification process (ABC, xyz, Life Cycle)
• Ensure the accuracy of the SKU Classification data loaded into VAI.