Job Advert Summary

Are you a hands-on, experienced Demand Planner who leads by example, is passionate about the game, analytical, decisive, attentive and a strategic and commercial thinker looking for an opportunity to join an organisation with an impressive growth strategy? Does working for a fast growing and powerful retail champion that protects, understands, values and cares about the needs of its customers and local communities inspire you?
Then look no further - Proudly South African retailer, Boxer Superstores, are recruiting for Demand Planners (Inbound and Outbound, senior and junior planners), who have proven experience in ensuring our company’s operations are timely, efficient, and cost-effective. You will assist in all demand planning duties including estimating future product demand, analysing inventory flow, and developing forecast models. The right talent is someone who is ambitious and possesses the grit, who wants to embark on a journey of unparalleled career growth to join their dynamic, fast-paced Supply Chain team based at the head office in Westville, Durban.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast growing organisation that prides itself of being “Africa's favourite discount supermarket”. If you are hungry to reach new heights in your career, then this could be just the role for you!

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in Supply Chain Management
• 2 - 5 years’ experience (dependent on seniority of the role)
• FMCG demand planning experience advantageous
• Internal stakeholder engagement spanning across Head office buyers, Stores, DCs
• External stakeholder engagement with Suppliers, suppliers KAMS, supplier reps, supplier distribution centers, third party distributors, transporters
• Solid systems knowledge – MS Office Suite, WMS
• Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of demand forecasting methodologies and tools
• Proficient in inventory management and replenishment strategies

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties include, but not limited to:
DEMAND PLANNER - GENERIC

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop accurate demand forecasts for various retail product categories
• Monitor and analyse market trends, historical sales data, and customer insights to optimize demand planning processes
• Conduct regular demand reviews with suppliers, KAMs, and other external stakeholders to align demand and supply plans
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely and accurate information exchange
• Coordinate with supplier distribution centres and third-party distributors to ensure efficient inventory management and order fulfilment
• Work closely with transporters to optimize transportation routes and minimize lead times
• Continuously improve demand planning processes by identifying areas for enhancement and implementing best practices
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate demand planning accuracy and identify opportunities for improvement

DEMAND PLANNER - OUTBOUND SPECIFIC

• Promotional lines forecast- Promotional lines sales at stores
• Monitor store stock position -Promotional lines and out of stocks at stores
• Manage new store order fulfillment
• Maintain DC help desk and track queries until resolution
• Collaboration with store managers and regional managers on planning
• Allocation of stock to stores-collaboration with supply chain , buyers, transport , inbound planners to ensure stock in store
• Monitor store replenishment and stock requests
• Check back orders and highlight no/cross picks

DEMAND PLANNER - INBOUND SPECIFIC

• Managing in stock position
• Managing stock levels
• Managing discontinued, suspended and slow moving lines
• Monitoring supplier strike rates as per delivery schedule
• Supplier interactions( returns & uplifts)
• Forecasting demand for peaks and promotions
• Placing of Cycle orders with suppliers
• Ensuring allowances and efficiencies are received
• Highlight stock adjustments ( shrinkage to DC operations)
• Damages vs swell allowance
• Highlight ranging issues to range department