Planning Manager

Job DescriptionJob Title:Planning ManagerDepartment:Operations – PlanningReports To:Head – Operations, South AfricaLocation:South AfricaQualifications & RequirementsBachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations Management .8–12 years of experience in end-to-end supply chain or planning within FMCG, Consumer Goods, or Manufacturing industries.Strong command of SAP (PP/MM) , MRP systems , and Advanced Excel / Power BI .Proven expertise in S&OP leadership , capacity planning , and cross-functional stakeholder management .Exposure to import/export logistics and regional supply coordination will be an advantage.Role OverviewTo lead the overallplanning functionacross the business, ensuring seamless synchronization betweendemand, supply, production, materials, logistics, and inventory.The role is pivotal in drivingservice excellence,forecast accuracy, andworking capital efficiency, while supporting the business to meet itscommercial goalsandoperational stabilityacross the factory and third-party (3P) network.Responsibilities and Duties1. End-to-End Planning LeadershipOversee Demand Planning , Supply Planning , Production Scheduling , and Material Planning for operations (factory + 3P).Develop and maintain an integrated S&OP process , ensuring alignment across Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations.Translate business demand into executable production and procurement plans considering capacity, material constraints, and lead times.Drive coordination to balance service levels , cost efficiency , and inventory health .2. Demand & S&OP ManagementLead monthly demand reviews with Sales and Marketing to finalize the rolling forecast.Drive initiatives to improve forecast accuracy by channel (Retail, Wholesale, Export).Analyze forecast bias , seasonal trends , and market intelligence to enhance predictability.Present consolidated planning outlooks during S&OP Executive Reviews .3. Supply & Production PlanningConvert demand forecasts into optimized supply and production plans , ensuring full utilization of plant and 3P capacity.Manage production sequencing and constraint planning to maximize throughput and minimize changeovers.Track daily and weekly plan adherence , investigate deviations, and implement corrective actions.Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams for maintenance readiness and preventive planning.4. Material Requirement & Procurement InterfaceEnsure timely availability of Raw & Packaging Materials (RM/PM) through efficient purchase requisitions and supplier call-offs.Work with Procurement and Import teams for shipment scheduling, MOQ compliance, and supplier OTIF performance.Maintain end-to-end visibility of inbound shipments, customs clearance , and local deliveries to prevent production delays.5. Inventory Management & ControlOptimize FG, RM, and PM inventory levels to balance working capital and service goals.Monitor SLOB (Slow Moving & Obsolete) stock and implement reduction plans (donations, liquidation, repack).Maintain governance on Days of Coverage (DOC) and inventory turns across all categories.6. Reporting, Analytics & SystemsOwn all planning and inventory dashboards – including service level, plan adherence, forecast accuracy, and inventory KPIs.Use SAP, Excel, Power Query, and Power BI for automated planning reports.Implement data-driven insights for scenario analysis and performance improvement.Drive digitalization and automation initiatives in planning systems and processes.7. Team Development & Stakeholder EngagementLead and develop the planning team , fostering accountability, accuracy, and ownership.Serve as the key liaison between Sales, Procurement, Production, Logistics, and Finance.Represent the planning function in regional and global forums.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Production Plan Adherence: >95%Sales Loss %: 98%Retail Serviceability: >99%RM/PM Stock Norm Adherence: >95%Forecast Accuracy & Bias: >70%SLOB % of Total InventoryMIS ReportsForecast AccuracyForecast BiasSales Loss % and ServiceabilityRetail Serviceability