Demand Planner at RCL Foods

The Job

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.

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute the degree of forward planning (3 - 6 months, 2 years etc.) as defined by management.
• 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).
• 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.
• Events/Promotions Forecasting.
• Consolidated Demand Forecast and Continuous Improvement.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.