Manager: Dealer Planning (12 Months Contract) at Toyota

The incumbent of this position, reporting to the Senior Manager: Dealer Planning, will be responsible for supporting planning and decision-making in the Dealer Planning Department to ensure an efficient outbound logistics process. This will involve optimizing dealer and other channels' orders/allocation and overseeing overall stock management functions, including dealer pipeline management. The role also requires cross-functional collaboration with other divisions in Toyota South Africa Motors and Toyota Tsusho Corporation. Additionally, the incumbent will lead the planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closing of departmental Kaizen-related projects. 

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

Dealer Management

• Monitor dealer performance regarding vehicle pipeline management.
• Oversee and manage the dealer entitlement/allocation process to ensure the equitable distribution of vehicles across all dealers.
• Maintain visibility of supply to the dealer network.
• Identify areas for improvement and take action.
• Support Toyota Academy of Learning for Africa with pipeline management presentations for sales managers’ induction and Dealer Principal Orientation Programme sessions.
• Conduct visits to dealers and stakeholders.

Stock Management

• Ensure visibility of central stock and future slot availability.
• Monitor and manage unallocated stock in the supply chain.
• Upload capacity from Global Production Planning System for local models.
• Monitor and manage aged stock in the supply chain.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement changes.
• Manage and monitor run-out models.

Order Management

• Maintain and manage optimal order limit levels.
• Track vehicle order status concerning models, colors, and options.
• Provide feedback to the Demand Planning section regarding suggested future orders from the source.
• Oversee the staff, fleet, and special vehicle allocation process.
• Identify and implement improvements.
• Ensure effective communication and feedback to the dealer network.
• Prepare and present Stock Obeya meetings.
• Prepare and present wholesale plan reports.

New Vehicle Introduction Process

• Manage model supersessions.
• Oversee and monitor entitlement methodology.
• Manage the backorder conversion process.
• Ensure fair first allocation of vehicles.
• Maintain visibility of new vehicle stock.
• Manage milestones, including order openings, order closing, and retail inception dates.
• Identify areas for improvement and take necessary actions.

Project Management

• Oversee project management tasks, including project planning, control, costing, and decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• NQF Level 6 qualification (Minimum 360 credits on the Level 8 framework) in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in Analytics or Supply Chain management.
• SAP knowledge and experience – Essential.
• Automotive industry knowledge and experience – Essential.
• High degree of computer literacy – Essential.
• Advanced Excel proficiency – Essential.

COMPETENCIES:

• Accurate information gathering and analysis.
• Strong numerical ability.
• Problem solving skills
• Innovative thinking.
• Situational awareness and decisiveness.
• Effective decision-making.
• Self-reliance.
• Strong work ethic.
• Commitment to the company’s mission.
• Strategic planning from a mid- to long-term perspective.
• Sound judgment.
• Perseverance.
• Prioritization and resource allocation.
• Establishing management frameworks and systems.
• Providing appropriate evaluation and feedback.
• Strategic and analytical thinking.
• Attention to detail.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• May be required to act in the capacity of surrounding posts.
• May be required to work overtime.
• May be required to travel and stay overnight.
• May be required to participate in development programs.