Job Description

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

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 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

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, KAM's, PM's, Marketing, Sales Team and other Company subsidiaries.
External Interaction with: Store Managers, Regional Managers and FSM's
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 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

Required Experience

• 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

Educational Requirements

• Degree in Business /Engineering
• 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