Junior Demand Planner at Mars

Job Description:

The Junior Demand Planner uses knowledge, experience, sales history, input from sales teams, market share data, sales systems data, customer collaboration and input on upcoming market plans to create a demand forecast. The granularity of the forecast will vary both in terms of the product and sales hierarchy. Performance should be reviewed on an ongoing basis and any risks to the forecast highlighted.

What are we looking for?

• Matric / Grade 12
• Relevant tertiary qualification desirable
• Minimum of 2 - 4 years experience in a planning role within FMCG experience is key, factory or distribution environment is an advantage
• Be able to build productive relationships and communicate effectively at a variety of levels with Stakeholders with strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Advanced Excel Skills
• SAP experience non-negotiable
• Analytical Capability
• Agile Capability and a Fast Learner
• Experience of using office productivity software (such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) is required

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Co-piloting with sales, marketing and finance to deliver an accurate and aligned demand plan for specific segments / customers, for the short, medium and long term
• Proactively drive the relationship with customers to align on forecasting and phasing of key events and activities
• Lead the pre-DMR forecast alignment process with sales and marketing
• Liaise with the Product Supply Coordinators to ensure product supply risks are mitigated and optimal stock levels are maintained
• Collating the 18 month forecast for the segment
• Presenting the forecast for your segment in DMR meeting
• Negotiating and infuencing cross-functional teams in building a robust and trustworthy forecast