Retail Demand Planner

**Requirements**:

- A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, supply chain management or a related field.
- At least 3-5 years’ experience in retail planning, merchandise planning or inventory control.
- Understanding of principles in the fresh food planning category would be advantageous.
- Good knowledge of supply chain operations - including suppliers, warehousing, waste management and inventory - is essential.
- Experience in a fast-paced retail environment, such as FMCG, fashion or homeware, is preferred.
- Knowledge of retail maths and performance indicators (e.g. sell-through, GMROI, stock turn).
- Strong numerical and data interpretation skills.
- Accuracy in planning and forecasting.
- Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures.
- Ability to collaborate and present findings clearly.
- Problem-solving and decision-making based on trends and data.
- Proficiency in Excel (advanced), ERP systems (e.g. Sage X3), forecasting tools, PIM (Product Information Management), and AI planning tools.
- Fluent in both Afrikaans and English.

**Responsibilities**:
Planning and Forecasting / Demand Planning:

- Develop demand forecasts for new and existing products based upon demand patterns and business trends/assumptions.
- Analyse historical sales data to identify trends and forecast future demand.
- Propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy and minimise bias.
- Optimise the continuous availability of products to meet customer demand.
- Contribute to the departmental plan with a specific focus on planning objectives and requirements, in line with the operating plan and KPIs.

Inventory Management:

- Ensure optimal stock levels across all warehouses, stores and online platforms.
- Define, set and monitor product supply and integrate with warehouse, supply chain and cross-functional teams to ensure delivery of the operating plan.
- Manage key indicators on availability and waste (sales, service levels, stock cover, forecast accuracy, waste cost percentage, availability) in line with the operational plan.
- Identify slow-moving or obsolete stock and drive clearance strategies.
- Proactively coordinate with cross-functional teams and locations to optimise stock levels for marketing campaigns, new product launches, and merchandising strategies.

Sales and Performance Analysis:

- Track and report on key metrics including sales, margins and stock availability.
- Deliver actionable insights from data to improve stock efficiency and sales performance.
- Participate in monthly business reviews with cross-functional teams.
- Generate and analyse monthly demand and supply planning KPI/PI reports - including service level, forecast accuracy, forecast bias, inventories as well as write downs/scrapping - to support performance and root cause management.

Collaboration:

- Partner with buyers on product assortment planning and phasing.
- Liaise with supply chain teams to manage lead times, deliveries, and logistics.
- Work closely with store managers to understand local trading patterns.