Demand/Retail Planner - Head Office - Endenvale ( 6 Months Contract )

PURPOSE

What is the purpose of this job?

Demand Planner is responsible for supporting the forecasting and replenishment process within a retail environment to ensure the right products are available at the right stores and at the right time. The role involves analysing sales trends, seasonal demand, promotions, inventory levels, and customer buying patterns to improve forecast accuracy, minimize stock shortages, and optimize inventory investment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What are you responsible for doing?

• Demand Forecasting and Planning
• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts using historical sales data, market trends, promotions, and seasonal factors.
• Generate short-, medium-, and long-term demand plans for all product categories.
• Continuously monitor forecast accuracy and adjust assumptions where necessary.
• Produce weekly and monthly demand forecasts and planning reports.
• Inventory Management
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Procurement teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Identify potential stock shortages, overstock situations, and slow-moving products.
• Recommend inventory strategies to improve stock availability and reduce inventory carrying costs.
• Support stock allocation planning across stores and distribution centres.
• Sales and Commercial Collaboration
• Partner with the Commercial, Marketing, and Retail Operations teams to understand promotional activities, new product launches, and business initiatives.
• Incorporate promotional and seasonal activities into demand forecasts.
• Participate in Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings and provide demand insights to support decision-making.
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Analyse sales performance, customer buying patterns, and market trends.
• Prepare and present demand planning reports and dashboards to management.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including:
• Forecast Accuracy
• Stock Availability
• Inventory Turnover
• Stock-Out Percentage
• Excess and Obsolete Inventory Levels
• Service Levels
• Systems and Process Improvement
• Maintain accurate demand planning data and forecasting parameters within ERP and planning systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve forecasting methodologies and planning processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Supply Chain function.
• Ensure master data integrity relating to products, sales history, and forecasting information.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS

What theoretical knowledge ( e.g degree / diploma ) does the job require ?

• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification required
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Economics, Business Analytics, Industrial Engineering, or related field

What experience ( e.g. previous exposure ) does the job require ?

• 2–5 years' experience in Demand Planning, Forecasting, Business Analytics, or S&OP role
• FMCG, retail, or manufacturing experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of forecasting tools (SYSPRO, SAP, etc.)