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
Demand Planning procedures and processes- 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
Pricing- 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 conversionsÂ
Inventory Management- 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 POâs & 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
Product Management- 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
Reporting- 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)
Job Scope
- Accurate forecasting
- Stock Management/Control
- Long Term Inventory
- Keeping track with the trends affecting business both locally and internationally
Organization Influence
Extensive High Level Strategic / Operational Interaction with (Internal) GTM Manager, KAMâs, PMâs, Marketing, Sales Team and other Company subsidiaries.
External Interaction with: Store Managers, Regional Managers and FSMâs
Nature and Purpose of the Interaction: Product knowledge promotion, customer satisfaction, maintain and strengthen relationships between Company and Retailers/Customer
Responsibility and Interaction with: Sales Team, Distributors/ Customers, Product Managers
Required Competencies- Quantitative and business analysis skills
- Project management skillsÂ
- A strong work-ethic
- Analytical skills essentialÂ
- Ability to meet all deadlines and set targetsÂ
- 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
Required Experience- 1 - 3 years experience in a similar position
- Previous product management or related experienceÂ
- Knowledge of Supply Chain/ Marketing management
- Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). All at advanced levelÂ
- FMCG experience will be an advantage
Educational Requirements- Degree in Business /EngineeringÂ
- Numerical skills an advantage
Analysis
- Forecasting accurately in a cost effective manner
- LTI management to avoid loss of income due to stock not sold
Travel Requirements
Travelling locally and internationally when required
