Senior Supply Planner

Senior Supply Planner - Fixed Term Contract Job Summary Listing reference: click_ Listing status: Online – Apply by 18 June Position summary Industry: FMCG & Supply Management Job category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain Location: Cape Town Contract: Fixed Term Contract Remuneration: market related EE position: Yes About our company: Clicks Group – Introduction Clicks is looking to recruit a Senior Supply Planner. Purpose The purpose of this role is to effectively execute the inventory strategy in assigned categories to manage inventory flow into DCs and out to stores thereby ensuring optimum inventory levels. Responsibilities Develop and implement replenishment plans based on business rules for lead times, safety stock, network, etc., and set all replenishment parameters. Manage and monitor budgets, receipt and inventory flow. Validate monthly forecast and manage open‑to‑buy budget. Achieve infill and DC availability metrics. Work with vendors and the DC on capacity planning to manage cost to serve. Provide forward visibility into all replenishment and ordering requirements for both DC and store to minimize stock‑outs and inventory overruns. Maintain the distribution network, safety stock levels, and improve customer service by ensuring product availability throughout the network. Review and act on out‑of‑stocks, anticipated out‑of‑stocks and low stocks. Collaborate with Demand Planners to create a match between supply and demand. Review causal data, determine reasons for inventory overages, underages, excess, and aged stock, and resolve with stakeholders. Review promotional activities while in flight to identify opportunities. Review and approve purchase orders and place manual purchase orders as necessary. Maintain knowledge of all inventory locations and source products from alternate locations to meet demand (deployment). Ensure continuous supplier reviews based on on‑time, in‑full performance and engage to enforce corrective measures. Collaborate with buyers, demand planners, suppliers, stores, warehousing and transportation on inventory flow opportunities to drive cost savings and improved efficiency. Lead and develop people within the team. Job‑Related Knowledge Industry insight related to supply chain management, inventory management and vendor relationship management. FMCG, Supply Chain and Logistics commercial acumen. Working knowledge of adjusting and managing distribution networks, safety stock levels, replenishment parameters and customer service level needs. Knowledge of S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) and consensus processes. Understanding of customer needs, market trends, competitive environment and market share. Deep understanding of consistent management and planning of supplier base performance metrics, promotional planning cycles, product lifecycle and supply chain optimisation. Financial planning models and methodologies. Job‑Related Skills Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships and drive consensus across functional groups. Forecasting consumer trends and buying habits (9–24 months ahead). Presentation skills with a focus on oral and written communication. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint); advanced Excel skills. Problem‑solving and analytical skills. Strong negotiation and influencing skills. Analytics required to enable decision‑making. People management and development experience. Merchant maths capability (variance to last year, percent of total, turn, open‑to‑buy, etc.). Business and financial analysis skills and knowledge to solve business problems. Business maths acumen and analysis to comprehend financial information for decision‑making. 5–7 years of re‑buying experience and/or inventory analysis. Experience with retail buying or supply chain. Experience with Demand Planning or Supply Planning software. Preferred experience in managing and leading teams. Job‑Related Competencies Leading & Deciding Analyzing Organising and Execution Adopting and Coping Enterprising and Performing Registration Assistance Do you require help with the registration process? #J-18808-Ljbffr