JOB PURPOSE The Demand Planner is responsible for all forecasting activities associated with customers and products. The Demand Planner creates and maintains forecast models for their customers, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from sales, marketing, finance, retailer replenishment analysts, and other sources (i.e.: Nielsen or other syndicated consumer data). The Demand Planner is the integration point into the sales and commercial organization. Forecast modelling is the responsibility of this position. This position leads the dialogue each month for their respective customers and products with key counterparts in Manufacturing, SCF and Sales. Primary Relationships The position reports to the Planning and Logistics Manager. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS AND TASKS Basic Functions: Develop demand forecasts (operational forecasts) at multiple levels of aggregation for multiple time horizons as part of a demand planning function. Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results. Coordinate cross-functional activities to reconcile variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions. Interact with manufacturing, sales, customer service, and SC finance to understand demand forecast drivers and put in place plans to meet the customer requirements. Utilize a collaborative and consensus approach by working with manufacturing, sales, customer service, and SC finance to obtain and ensure that current and accurate information is used for demand forecasts. Use and maintain the Demand Planning tools (including SAP) as the primary forecasting system tool. Provide input to the Supply Planning and Production Scheduling organization in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs. Closely coordinate and communicate customer action plans with supply planning Manage inventory levels in line with AOP Job Functions: Create statistical forecasts: Gather, analyse and validate data Execute statistical modelling Review resulting statistical forecast model Apply error analysis techniques to improve forecasting Summarize/aggregate statistical forecasts Review sales plans , customer finance Budget Updates or Latest Estimates and demand drivers: Present, solicit, and assess feedback on the various forecasts from sales, and finance Recommend adjustments for operational forecasts Review promotional plans with sales Achieve consensus for operational demand forecasts by facilitating a collaborative planning process with manufacturing, sales, customer service, and SC finance personnel: Prepare relevant material to facilitate research and discussion Provide input to volume planning ( Latest Estimates / annual process) Facilitate and manage demand planning/customer meetings Achieve consensus with the business side and the demand chain Maintain demand planning system and software Enter and modify data and ensure the correctness of product hierarchy Monitor trends in forecast error Identify relevant market-related data and competitive intelligence Prepare and maintain relevant reports pertaining to demand planning process Key Results: A customer demand forecast which incorporates current and accurate market information that allows the company to correctly predict customer demand and provide its supply chain with the appropriate information and demand plan to meet that customer demand. Improved relationships among planners, sales, manufacturing and SC finance, which will lead to effective knowledge sharing and an optimal consensus forecast to better guide the company. Refined systems and methods to continually improve forecasts so that the company can better anticipate customer needs. Execute with excellence in the area of customer replenishment and feedback to the Supply Chain group the opportunities and risks regarding customer replenishment performance metrics. Setting/Agreement of Customer Service levels (OTIF/OTC) and inventory targets for each Division in the country and ensure delivery of agreed targets. Optimization and development of service levels/inventory reports to ensure improvement programs/targets are delivered. Preparation of the inventory and logistics budget (sales freight and warehousing) and ensure we deliver the target numbers. Development of cost and efficiency improvements plans in the Planning and Logistics areas. Coordination of the S&OP process working very close with the Sales leader in the country. Management of development of skills of the Planning teams in South Africa. Cross training of the team in best in class methods and concepts to achieve South Africa and global targets. International trade compliance – Determine optimal international trade activity and standards while ensuring compliance with trade regulations and laws. Delivery of Operational performance on agreed targets (service, quality, EHS) by managing external logistics service providers and by addressing and resolving issues. Build, develop and maintain relationship with recognized key logistics providers across the Region. Lead and coordinate key programs and projects (Customer delivery projects, efficiency improvements) Liaise with other SC and business functions to align objectives and initiatives. Define and implement the adequate plan to deliver the objectives of the country. Establish and maintain appropriate reports for the demand and supply planning functions COMPETENCIES Strong analytical and interpersonal skills Attention to detail and high level of accuracy Managerial courage, timely decision maker and drive for results. Skilled and experienced negotiator with a solid business understanding Strong verbal and written English communication skills Reasoning and Cognitive Ability: The person assigned to this role must be able to think independently. Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES Good communicator Motivated Customer oriented Self-disciplined Assertive Tactful POSITION REQUIREMENTS University degree in operations management or equivalent Honours degree advantage Experience in logistics processes and experience with logistics tenders including provider selection. Planning and S&OP experience Experience with IT systems Working knowledge of SAP an advantage Master in Excel APICS certification (or similar) an advantage