Assistant Supply Planner at Vector Logistics

Job Purpose

• The purpose of the role is to prepare the short-term supply plans across the hubs and depots in order to maximize customer service while optimizing storage and transport capacity. This will include working closely with the principals’ supply planners and Operations management to proactively ensure that there are no interruptions in supply.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Planning

• Assist with the development of the national supply plan across all hubs and depots by using the inbound principals’ supply plans to balance against the network (warehousing and transport) capacity and demand plan requirements for the next 18-24 months.
• Understand and use the latest planning standards (agreed volumes, warehouse space constraints and transportation routes) and tools (ADEXA) to generate the rough-cut supply plan.
• Identify exceptions where supply does not satisfy demand or where supply exceeds demand.
• Develop alternate scenarios to address exceptions by closing the gap between supply and demand (e.g., increase capacity through overtime, building stock in advance, pricing changes to manage demand, and inputting into the supply and demand meeting).
• Assist with the development of the warehouse space requirements plan for the next 12 months on a rolling weekly basis and manage the accuracy thereof.
• Update the demand planning grids with the appropriate supply information (e.g., stock holding, inbound delivery, transport routing) in line with the demand planning timeline.
• Work closely with the principals’ planning teams to ensure that the anticipated production is sufficient to meet the demand in the longer term.
• Assist with the consolidation of the regional warehouse requirements plans into a national warehouse requirements plan.
• Compile a forward warehouse requirement plan monthly, on a rolling 12 monthly basis.
• During peak periods, a weekly view may be required.
• Assist with the consolidation of the transport requirements plan and work closely with the Transport Planning team on a quarterly or monthly basis to ensure adequate transport is available.
• This forward transport requirements plan will be issued at least quarterly for on a rolling 12-month basis.
• During peak periods, a weekly view may be required.

Short Term Supply Planning

• On a weekly basis (and daily when stock shortages are experienced), review demand (demand forecasts and actual orders) and stock cover (days) requirements across all regions, depots and stock holding positions and provide guidance on priorities, both by SKU or customer, and by region or depot.

Supply Chain Reporting

• Update the scorecards with the relevant KPI's on a weekly/monthly basis.
• Understand the variances against targets for key KPI's and provide explanations and corrective actions required.
• Generate the agreed weekly supply planning packs and associated minutes.
• Information and Data Management: Regularly and accurately capture data into ADEXA to enable access to reliable data and reporting for trend analysis and decision making.
• Administration: Oversee filing and safeguarding of records within area of responsibility.
• Compile ad hoc spreadsheets when required.

Team Coordination

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and activities and demonstrate effective self-management in terms of planning, prioritising and self-development.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of work are consistently and accurately maintained. Inform relevant parties in the event of tasks or deadlines not met, the potential risks thereof and provide appropriate resolution.
• Support and drive the business core values.
• Manage colleagues and clients’ expectations and communicate appropriately.
• Demonstrate willingness to help others and “go the extra mile” to meet team targets and objectives.
• Champion training and development of self and others through utilising available training opportunities or contributing to the development of new training solutions relating to product costing in collaboration with national training specialists.
• Participate in and drive regular performance appraisals and ensure that own targets and goals are clear and achievable.
• Maintain a basic appreciation and awareness of employee relations climate and ensure corrective action is taken where required in line with relevant legislation and company policy.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant B.Com Degree (Logistics or Supply Chain Preferred).
• 2 – 3 years operational experience within any planning function.
• Experience using SAP, ADEXA and MS Office is essential.