Job Description

Demand Planner - Goodwood, Cape TownOxford University Press Southern AfricaOxford University Press advances knowledge and learning of all kinds, from a child reading their first words to a researcher expanding the frontiers of their field. Our work is constantly evolving, and the possibilities are endless. We strive to help more and more people around the world achieve their potential. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It is our mission to further the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.Demand Planner(Permanent position)Oxford University Press have established an integrated global Manufacturing, Inventory, and Procurement Planning function and this has created an exciting opportunity for an individual with highly tuned analytical acumen, to join an ambitious and collaborative team as a Demand Planner.The Demand Planner will be reporting to the Inventory & Manufacturing Manager. This post is based in Goodwood.Principal Accountabilities:Develop and maintain demand forecasts for local and import materials for the African businesses.Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.Coordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.Interact with sales, marketing, editorial, and finance teams to understand demand forecast drivers, and build in requirements from the different market segments.Use and maintain the relevant demand planning software tools to refine outputs and increase forecast accuracy, product availability, and reduce bias.Work closely with the Inventory and Manufacturing team so the demand plan can be used to develop inventory and manufacturing strategies on materials in all stages of their product lifecycle.Achieve core key performance targets and scorecard metrics including forecast bias and forecast accuracy, investigating, and resolving discrepancies in the measures.Regularly review segmentation and hierarchy of products to ensure they are being planned and reported at the appropriate level.Schedule and run the monthly Demand Review Meetings as part of the full S&OP process.Continually seek to improve forecasting systems and methodologies, becoming a subject matter expert on demand planning within the business responsible for creating and maintaining SOPs. Qualifications and Experience:Relevant working experience in demand planning or forecasting role or preferred sector experience will include publishing, retail, consumer goods, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.Degree level in business, supply chain or other relevant fields.Able to demonstrate proficiency in statistical analysis, forecasting and forecasting methodologies.Experience working cross functionally to deliver results.Detailed working knowledge and experience of the most up to date Sales & Operations Planning methodologies, including statistical modelling.Detailed working knowledge of demand planning software, with recent knowledge of SAP.Strong IT system capabilities particularly Microsoft Excel skills.Attributes:Demonstrate strong analytical skillsExcellent attention to detailReport and present data at an aggregated levelStrong interpersonal skills are essentialStrong communicatorDemonstrate ability to deal with ambiguity and remain calm under pressureOxford Offers the following:Remuneration will be commensurate with experiencePension and medical aid benefitsStatutory leaveTraining opportunitiesEngaging work in a rewarding and ethical environment.Oxford University Press, an equal opportunity employer, seeks a talented individual to fill this post in its Inventory and Manufacturing Department based in the Goodwood, Cape Town. Oxford University Press will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need for transformation.Closing date: 04 September 2023

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