Job Description

The Demand & Sourcing Analyst is responsible for improving demand accuracy, supporting strategic procurement decisions, and enhancing product competitiveness through data-driven insights. The primary focus of this role is to analyse sales trends, develop accurate demand forecasts, and assess market and competitor pricing to ensure BCE's product offering remains appropriately positioned.

By evaluating competitor product specifications, pricing structures, and cost differences, the role highlights opportunities for optimisation and supports the procurement team in aligning products to market expectations. The Demand & Sourcing Analyst also plays a key role in new product launches by providing foundational demand estimates, competitive comparisons, and performance tracking. Key Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Forecasting & Demand Planning

Lead the demand forecasting process, ensuring alignment with overall business goals. Collaborate with brand managers to generate initial and adjusted forecasts for new products based on market trends and sales projections.

Sales & Inventory Management

Analyse sales performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities across product categories. Highlight significant sales changes (positive or negative) and collaborate with brand managers to determine root causes. Adjust demand forecasts based on promotions, marketing activity, or planned business initiatives. Work closely with procurement to maintain adequate stock levels in anticipation of demand shifts.

Market Competitiveness & Pricing Intelligence

Conduct ongoing pricing analysis across key product lines to understand BCE's position in the market. Provide product pricing insights that support buying decisions and guide overall pricing alignment. Use pricing and product insights to support procurement in evaluating alternative product specifications where appropriate, while maintaining quality and product integrity. Assist with the development and maintenance of pricing comparison documents and relevant market analysis tools.

Reporting & Analysis

Prepare high-level reporting on:

New product performance. Dead stock and slow-moving items. Overstock and inventory exposure Competitor pricing comparisons. Product cost and specification variances. Provide procurement with clear insights and recommendations based on data trends and market evaluation. Collaborate with brand managers on strategies to address product under- or overperformance or risk.

Promotional & New Product Planning

Integrate promotional activity forecasts into demand planning to ensure adequate stock coverage for projected increases. Provide buyers with timely forecast updates to support procurement planning around promotions. Assist with the execution of new product launches by providing initial forecasts, competitor benchmarking, and performance monitoring. Support post-launch analysis to evaluate success and recommend improvement actions.

Academic Qualifications, Experience and Skills

Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, Economics, Business, or Data Analytics Advanced Excel experience essential Experience with Business Intelligence tools (QlikView, Power BI, Etc) Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills. High proficiency in data interpretation, Excel modelling, BI reporting, and demand planning techniques. Strong understanding of pricing logic, cost structures, and product specification comparisons. Ability to translate data into actionable insights for procurement and commercial teams. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams. Highly organised with the ability to multitask, prioritise, and meet deadlines. Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and data integrity. Proactive, self-driven, and able to work independently while contributing positively to team objectives. Logical thinker with the ability to identify patterns, anomalies, and root causes.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R62000,00 - R66000,00 per month

Work Location: In person