The position entails a comprehensive range of duties and responsibilities, requiring a candidate with a strong background in the specified field. Essential qualifications include relevant work experience, proficiency in key technical skills, and the ability to meet deadlines efficiently. The role demands adaptability, problem-solving capabilities, and effective communication to collaborate with cross-functional teams. Additionally, the ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
The Inventory and Demand Planner is responsible for producing precise demand forecasts and spearheading collaborative planning initiatives spanning East and Southern Africa, encompassing approximately seven distinct markets.
The Planner will enhance inventory optimization, ensure product availability, and improve supply chain efficiency by leveraging data-driven forecasting and collaborating across departments. The inventory encompasses diverse product categories, such as smartphones, televisions, and our primary solar product line, with an annual procurement volume of approximately $770 million.
This role will collaborate extensively with procurement, operations, sales, marketing, finance, commercial, and global supply planning teams to synchronize market demand, inventory levels, and operational capabilities across the eight markets.
You will be tasked with executing a comprehensive range of duties aligned with the responsibilities outlined for this position. This includes fulfilling key objectives, adhering to established protocols, and contributing to the overall success of the team. Your role will involve performing essential functions in accordance with job requirements, ensuring compliance with company standards, and collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining high levels of productivity, meeting deadlines, and upholding the organization’s values in all aspects of your work.
Specialists in demand forecasting and planning analyze historical data, market trends, and other relevant factors to project future product or service demand accurately. They develop and implement strategies to optimize inventory levels, reduce excess stock, and prevent shortages, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Utilizing advanced statistical models, software tools, and collaborative cross-functional teams, these professionals ensure alignment with organizational goals and adapt to fluctuating market conditions. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and experience with forecasting methodologies are essential, as are effective communication and stakeholder management to translate insights into actionable business decisions.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to establish and sustain accurate short-, medium-, and long-term demand forecasts for ESA markets.
Analyze historical sales patterns, seasonal variations, market intelligence, promotional impacts, and customer insights to enhance the precision of forecasts.
Host monthly demand review sessions in collaboration with stakeholders from various functional areas to evaluate and align on demand projections.
Evaluate forecast performance on an ongoing basis and implement enhancements to increase forecasting accuracy.
Oversee the integration of demand planning inputs for initiatives such as new product launches, product discontinuations, and promotional campaigns.
The role involves overseeing sales forecasting, managing inventory levels, and coordinating operational activities to ensure alignment between supply and demand. Responsibilities include analyzing sales data, optimizing stock levels, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to streamline production and distribution processes. Proficiency in data analysis and supply chain management is essential, along with strong organizational and communication skills to drive efficiency and meet business objectives.
Support the regional STOP process by delivering precise demand forecasts, ensuring a forecast accuracy target of 85% or higher.
Collaborate effectively with global supply planning and procurement teams to ensure supply availability aligns precisely with market demand, aiming to eliminate stock-outs across all markets.
Evaluate demand deficiencies, potential supply disruptions, and inventory vulnerabilities, then propose strategic measures to address these issues.
Market and Business Insights
Review sales performance, inventory trends, and demand patterns across ESA markets.
Track key demand planning KPIs including, but not limited to, forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, quantity value of working capital optimization, and loss of revenue from low inventory levels.
Evaluate trade-offs to enhance working capital efficiency and recommend optimal strategies for the business.
Deliver comprehensive supply chain health check reports to leadership to guide adjustments in ordering frequency, safety stock parameters, and working capital needs.
We are seeking a dynamic professional to spearhead management initiatives, develop and refine systems, and drive process improvements throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies, and the ability to implement effective solutions that enhance productivity and operational excellence. Responsibilities include evaluating current workflows, designing and optimizing processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of improvements. Additionally, the role requires proficiency in data analysis, project management, and change management to facilitate successful adoption of new systems and methodologies.
Collaborate effectively with Sales, Marketing, Commercial Finance, and Country Sales and Operations Managers to ensure commercial strategies are aligned with demand projections.
Collaborate with regional procurement teams, synchronize on lead time requirements, and proactively communicate operational needs to prevent supply chain disruptions.
Ensure the precision and reliability of demand planning data within ERP and forecasting systems.
Effectively convey demand risks, assumptions, and forecast adjustments to key stakeholders to ensure alignment and informed decision-making.
Lead efforts to enhance forecasting tools, planning methodologies, and reporting functionalities on an ongoing basis.
Play a key role in advancing automation and digital transformation efforts within supply chain planning initiatives.
A solid candidate would likely possess the following qualities:
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Statistics, Economics, or a closely related discipline is required.
A minimum requirement includes five or more years of progressively responsible experience in regional demand planning, supply chain planning, forecasting, or commercial planning.
Professional experience in overseeing operations across several African markets, with a preference for East and Southern Africa (ESA) regions.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in quantitative analysis and numerical problem-solving, coupled with advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel.
Proficiency in utilizing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and planning systems, including but not limited to SAP, Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Oracle, or comparable platforms, is essential.
Professional experience in the fast-moving consumer goods, consumer goods, renewable energy, retail, manufacturing, or distribution sectors is desirable.
Proficient understanding of intra-African trade patterns and logistical frameworks is required, with a focus on supply chain optimization tailored to the region’s unique challenges.
Capable of traveling within ESA markets as necessary.
Proven ability to analyze complex data sets and derive actionable insights through quantitative methods.
Demonstrates strong commercial insight and business expertise. Exhibits keen understanding of market dynamics, competitive positioning, and revenue generation strategies. Applies analytical and strategic thinking to drive profitability and sustainable growth.
Proven ability to communicate effectively and manage relationships with stakeholders is required.
The capacity to collaborate productively across varied cultural backgrounds.
Demonstrates meticulous attention to precision and exactness in all tasks performed.
The ability to work in a fast-paced matrix environment.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
