Demand Planner at Vector Logistics

JOB PURPOSE

• 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning

•  Execute the degree of forward planning (3 - 6 months, 2 years etc.) as defined by management.

Sales Analysis

• 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).

 Base Demand Planning and Forecasting

• 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.
• Generate the base demand plan using the most appropriate statistical forecasting algorithm and make adjustments where necessary.
• Understand any variance between actual customer demand and the statistical forecast and appropriately challenge, change and make recommendations to the base forecast.

Events/Promotions Forecasting

• Work with the customer team to determine promotional activities volume and track the effectiveness of the promotion (costs vs promotional volume increment).
• Question the promotional volume based on the success/failure of past promotions.
• Use the promotions grid and related discussions with the sales team as input into the event forecasts.
• Work closely with the sales team to document the assumptions for each promotion, driving clarity on volume, price and customers.

Consolidated Demand Forecast and Continuous Improvement

• Present forecasts along with assumptions to get a consensus forecast to be used by the Business.
• Publish the agreed forecast in an appropriate format to ensure transparency and one set of numbers. This will include publishing the information on the intranet and uploading into SAP and the finance forecasting tools.
• Use the agreed forecasting KPI's to drive improvement in the forecasts and to minimise volatility. Use these KPI's to assist when analysing the historical data while generating the forecasts.
• Publish the forecasting KPI's in the agreed format, in line with the agreed timeline for weekly reports and monthly scorecards.

Innovation Management

• 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.
• Document all assumptions.
• Track and publish KPI’s for each new innovation.
• When discontinuing a product, work closely with the supply planning team to ensure accurate ‘bleedout’ forecasts to enable a smooth run-out process.
• 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.
• Publish the forecasting KPI’s in the agreed format, in line with the agreed timeline for weekly reporting and monthly scorecards.

Portfolio Management

•  Complete the data analysis to provide input into discussions on portfolio management.
•  Make recommendations on where opportunities exist to remove SKU's from the portfolio using agreed guidelines.

Sales and Operations Planning

•  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.
•  Provide the required data to the Finance team in the appropriate format to enable the annual and quarterly budget planning process.

Master Data and Hierarchy Maintenance

• Contribute to the maintenance of master data and hierarchies.

Project Coordination

• Participate as an integral member of cross functional teams to deliver business projects.

Administration

• Oversee filing and safeguarding of records within area of responsibility.
• Compile ad hoc spreadsheets when required.

 Reporting

• Report on demand by principal.
• Compile other reports as set out by management.

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, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Commerce/Economics degree or related Supply Chain National Diploma
• 2-3 years supply and/or demand planning experience
• Previous experience on SAP and SAP BW would be an advantage

Skills and Competencies

• Translating modelling techniques into business language
• Verbal and written communication
• Computer literacy (SAP and MS Office skills prerequisite)
• Report writing
• Interpersonal
• Relationship management
• Logical thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Presentation
• Numeracy
• Organisational awareness