KwaZulu-Natal: Senior Demand and Supply Planner

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Demand and Supply Planner to join our team in KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining rolling 1824-month demand forecasts, facilitating cross-functional meetings, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to optimize inventory levels and reduce forecast bias.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing, refining, and maintaining rolling 1824-month demand forecasts using historical sales data, promotional activities, customer trends, industry insights, and new product introductions for pet food products.
• Facilitating and leading monthly demand review meetings with cross-functional teams (Sales, Operations, Procurement, Finance) to achieve consensus on forecasts, identify resource/capacity gaps, and align on forward requirements.
• Collaborating closely with the Sales team to enhance forecasting accuracy for new product development, tracking performance, and improving customer promotion planning processes.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce forecast bias, enhance customer service levels, and minimize inventory risks (e.g., overstock, stockouts, aged stock).
• Maintaining and updating the material planning tool based on sales forecasts to guide procurement decisions for raw materials (e.g., proteins, ingredients) and packaging, ensuring alignment with production schedules.
• Coordinating with Production, Procurement, and Buying teams to secure material availability, prevent supply disruptions, and support optimal inventory levels while meeting working capital targets.
• Leading the initiative to automate long-term material planning processes within Syspro to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Developing and coordinating weekly production schedules with the Plant Manager in line with agreed demand forecasts, while monitoring stock levels across distribution channels to ensure timely replenishment.
• Conducting root cause analysis on inventory variances (overages, underages, excess, aged stock) and implementing corrective actions with relevant stakeholders.
• Running daily operational alignment meetings with Sales, Production, Dispatch, and Operations teams to ensure execution of plans, addressing issues promptly, and maintaining smooth daily operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a demand planning, supply planning, or material planning role within a manufacturing environment (proven track record in planning non-negotiable)
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (Syspro experience is highly advantageous; exposure to similar systems such as SAP or Barnton is also beneficial)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (non-negotiable), including data analysis, pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros, and forecasting models
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel when required

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications (Bachelor’s degree is minimum requirement)

Salary & Benefits

• Salary details not specified