Planner at Core Group

Job Description

• We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Supply Chain Planner to join our dynamic Supply Chain and Planning team.
• This role is ideal for a qualified Industrial Engineer with over 5 years of relevant experience in supply chain planning, inventory management, and data-driven decision-making.
• The successful candidate will play a critical role in optimising inventory strategies for Apple products across Southern Africa.
• You will ensure product availability, minimise stockouts, and drive operational efficiency while balancing stock investment.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Sales Planning

• Develop and execute inventory strategies to meet sales targets across all Lines of Business (LOB).
• Drive the accuracy of demand forecasts through data analysis and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Proactively manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock cover while avoiding overstock and obsolescence.
• Coordinate with Core Group Africa (CGA) and Authorised Apple Resellers (AARs) to ensure timely stock allocation and replenishment.
• Monitor stock health and initiate corrective actions for slow-moving or high-risk inventory.
• Continuously review and improve allocation processes to align with business goals and partner expectations.

Reporting & Process Optimisation

• Maintain accurate and timely updates for sell-in forecasts (SIF), sell-through projections, and backorder submissions across product categories (iPhone, iPad, CPU, Watch).
• Compile and submit weekly sales and inventory reports for Namibia and Zambia to Apple.
• Own and update key operational reports, including the Apple shipping report, SOH and backorder reports, and CGA Master Sales Report.
• Identify inefficiencies in planning and reporting processes and implement improvements.
• Strategic Support
• Contribute to the delivery of quarterly strategic objectives through effective inventory planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Provide actionable insights based on in-depth analysis of historical data, sales trends, and market dynamics.
• Act as a key partner to sales, finance, and operations teams in driving continuous improvement.

Requirements

Essential

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in supply chain planning, demand forecasting, or inventory management.
• Industrial Engineering degree (or equivalent in a related field).
• Advanced Excel proficiency (including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and complex data modeling).
• Strong analytical and numerical aptitude with a deep understanding of inventory planning principles.
• Experience working in a fast-paced supply chain or retail environment.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Preferred

• Experience working with premium consumer electronics or high-demand product categories.
• Knowledge of Apple’s product ecosystem and retail partner structure in Africa.
• Familiarity with ERP and supply chain planning tools (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, or similar).