Assistant Product Manager and Demand Planner

SUMMARY:
We are seeking an Assistant Product Manager and Demand Planner for the Midrand area.

POSITION INFO:
Job Summary
To increase profitability for allocated product by conducting accurate and reliable forecasts, aligning inventory levels with identified demand, and improve income or revenue forecasts

Duties
Forecasting

• Designing and generating weekly and monthly statistical forecast reports
• Continuously improving forecasting techniques, methods and approach to ensure they are aligned to company objectives
• Relating and measuring the impact of forecast accuracy
• Support and drive strategic project plans to successful launch innovative products
• Weekly & Monthly demand on Demand Management System
• Monthly consensus meeting with sales management
• Communicate regularly with HQ & Manufacturing to identify supply issues and SFA
• Long Term forecasting, confirmation of kits with HQ for Local manufacturing

• Develop and maintain documentation and standard operating procedures for demand planning processes and systems
• Conduct current and future forecasting analysis and ensuring forecasting processes and methods are followed
• Assemble and analyze all data relevant to creating the sales forecast (historical sales, market trends, seasonality, promotions and inventory levels)
• Establish and utilize best methods to create forecasts and respective inventory targets

• Assist with the update and maintenance of monthly price lists (per currency)
• Communicate internally about pricing and on systems
• Maintain fixed pricing from PM
• Assist with pricing quotes, give information on foreign exchange conversions 

• Make recommended adjustments to forecast and inventory targets based on changes in demand and market trends
• Communicate with HQ about the new product and facilitate the registration of SABS to get the certificate
• Review recommended sales forecasts and inventory goals focusing on new product introduction and make sure that stock is available for promotions
• Monitor and support channel inventory (sell-in/sellout) basis
• Assist with monitoring of back orders
• Tracking PO’s & Direct Orders to ensure Business Plan, Moving Plan target is achieved, ultimate goal to maximize sales and reduce inventory costs
• Assist with information of Graded inventory

• Review product data to ensure that sales staff is kept up to date on new developments regarding the companies
• Responsible for the issuing and control of all sample products
• Give input to HQ about new product and will give us new pricing for the product
• Gap analysis to understand non achievements for Sales Forecasting accuracy and address with Sales Management Team
• Present at S&OP meeting to top management (Pending Issues/ supply and production issues/ageing Inventory & action plans)
• Assist with Moving Plan sales allocations & backorders
• Management of End of Life & New Product Information (Demand, Shipment and delays analysis)
• Manage DIO-Tracking and actions Plans-Local and Export
• Assist Product Manager with Ad Hoc duties as and when necessary

• Prepare, report and communicate forecast and inventory measurements to all stake holders
• Highlight key variances and change forecasts accordingly
• Progress report on forecast against set targets
• Basic admin (requesting approvals for product transfers, request price approvals ,listing documents, price queries internal and external, provide images and specifications, sample stock management, request approval for scrapping)

• Accurate forecasting
• Stock Management/Control
• Long Term Inventory
• Keeping track with the trends affecting business both locally and internationally

• Quantitative and business analysis skills
• Project management skills 
• A strong work-ethic
• Analytical skills essential 
• Ability to meet all deadlines and set targets 
• In depth knowledge of supply chain processes
• Strong organisational ability
• Effective communication with all relevant parties (team player)
• Presentation skills Specialist within this function)
• Customer service orientation
• Strategic approach to resolve challenges
• Problem solving skills
• In Depth Product and Retail Business Knowledge

• 1 - 3 years experience in a similar position
• Previous product management or related experience 
• Knowledge of Supply Chain/ Marketing management
• Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). All at advanced level 
• FMCG experience will be an advantage

• Degree in Business /Engineering 
• Numerical skills an advantage

• Forecasting accurately in a cost effective manner
• LTI management to avoid loss of income due to stock not sold