Retail Demand Planner at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

About the job

Manage the Retail and Marketing Demand Planning and Monitoring process to ensure alignment of functions to deliver business goals. Overall management of Retail and Marketing demand Sales & Operations planning process, including Demand Forecasting, Supply collaboration, and Cross-function execution of Sales & Operations processes. Collaborate with the sales and operations team using statistical data to generate forecast solutions, robust demand planning, and Supply chain to drive correct inventory and material planning within a constrained and non-constrained environment.

Using both Demand and Supply knowledge to drive change in executing the Process, and facilitate process improvements in both, the demand and supply space, through knowledge sharing and using the influence model to drive for change, and collaboration. Facilitate the Enterprise Business Management (EBM) demand review meetings on behalf of Retail and collaborates with Sales teams for monthly input.

Demand Planning

•  Oversee Retail Sales & Marketing Demand planning activities.
•  Facilitate monthly demand forecast aggregation, including consensus between sales & operations, EVCO and other functions.
•  Review and update sales forecasts- input to Demand Mgmt. System (IBP). Working towards reliable 18-month forecast (product level) in aid of better planning.
•  Assist with Annual Business Planning Process and Inputs into Aspen DF Tools.
•  Provide input into the EBM demand planning/forecasting process.
•  Manage 12 Month rolling demand forecast to drive focus on strategic decisions to meet business plan targets.
•  Collaboration with Fuels and marketing teams on PLCM process, product introductions and promotional planning to mitigate surge and drops in demand. Working to have this reflected in IBP timeously.
•  Monitor demand performance throughout the month and provide detailed input for use in demand reviews.
•  Drive weekly tracking of Month end projections Vs Plan, changes in sales forecasts, budgets and business strategies.
•  Develop effective forecast models based on industry trends and demand patterns.

Fuels and Marketing Planning Coordinator

•  Lead and manage the S&OP process to ensure alignment of functions to deliver business goals.
•  Overall responsibility for Fuels and Marketing demand sales and operating planning process, including Demand Forecasting, Supply collaboration, and Cross-function execution of Sales & Operations process
•  Provide direction for planning processes to align demand, supply, and company goals.
•  Communicate major Supply issues and demand trends. Establish alignment with operational partners to optimize production strategies. Work with Network Planner & Supply manager to develop plans to meet demand.
•  Advance reporting and analysis providing information for planning.
•  Actively drive for decisions and tradeoffs during period of supply constraint
•  Identify further opportunities for efficiency improvements, within sales and cross functionally.

Other

•  Participate and drive Demand related Loss Prevention Systems (LPS) tools, Loss Incidents and Near Loss Incidents (LIs & NLIs). Investigation Team member/Team leads for cross function.
•  Involved in execution of the Management of Change (MOC) process to ensure seamless transitions with no impact to supply chain performance, or customers.
•  Support with Audit, compliance, risk assessment and mitigation actions
• Project implementation

Financial Perspective

• Provide demand planning and forecast support to help sales achieve set volume target.
• Support the achievement of the sales demand forecasts on a monthly rateable basis.
• Flag any risks to achieving forecasted levels to within 10% tolerance

Customer Perspective

• Ensure Completion of Demand Forecasting Process, and drive Accuracy Improvement
• Drive Big Business Model for new customers.
• Successful on boarding of new customers identified in this tool, no stock out of product post on boarding because of new customer
• Demand Forecasting - On boarding new customers
• Attend QBR's/BPR's, Addressing trends/concerns/opportunities with customers, training, and constant improvements

Business Excellence

• Own, Drive and Manage E2E Demand Planning process within Retail & marketing in collaboration with EVCO
• Represent Retail & Marketing and attend all Demand, Supply, Pre-S&OP, S&OP meetings
• Set up and drive all Retail demand planning meetings (agenda, discussion, challenge, output etc) to align with overall Demand Planning & Management, and EBM processes
• Engage sales and track commentary for sales deviation from demand plan, and feed into all relevant platforms
• Develop, own and present dashboards at relevant meetings and challenge/planning sessions
• Input Retail & marketing demand data into all relevant systems to enable efficient and successful planning and management of sales demand and reporting
• Ensure all new and potential sales are included in the demand plan post formal approval and sign-off, and challenge assumptions for improved accuracy.
• Support and input into Business Case submissions for new opportunities and major changes to base business

People Management

• No direct reports, but influence model critical

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management or other relevant field

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a demand planning / forecasting role
• Good understanding of inventory management practices and procedures
• Knowledge of supply chain management
• Retail Fuel and Marketing process experience
• Retail Fuels and Marketing background Advantageous

Knowledge and skills:

• SAP IBP background
• Demand planning background
• Strong Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advance Excel Skills with Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge
• Excellent communication (written & verbal), interpersonal and organizational skills.