Job Description

Background of the Company

Lindt & Sprungli (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (Lindt SA) started operations in May 2011 and forms part of the Lindt & Sprungli group of companies. With more than 150 employees, Lindt SA is based in Cape Town with strong regional presence in Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth and a network of 16 Lindt retail stores.



As global leader in the premium chocolate sector, Lindt & Sprungli looks back on a long-standing tradition of almost 175 years which takes its origins in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, quality chocolate products by Lindt & Sprungli are made at 12 owned production sites in Europe and the USA. The products are distributed by 28 subsidiary companies and branch offices, in around 500 Lindt shops and cafes, and also via a comprehensive network of more than 100 independent distributors around the globe.

Position Purpose

Supply Planning & Replenishment

Maintain the weekly and monthly supply plans in line with forecast and stock requirements. Maintain and monitor key supply parameters: lead times, minimum order quantities, and safety stock levels. Highlight and resolve potential supply gaps, delays, or risks through proactive communication. Work closely with Supply Chain to confirm delivery schedules and prioritize stock allocation when needed.

Demand Forecasting & Analysis

Assist in building, maintaining, and reviewing the monthly demand forecast at SKU, brand, and channel level. Consolidate historical sales, market trends, promotions, and new product introductions to support forecast generation. Participate in monthly demand review meetings (S&OP) to align forecasts with commercial and marketing teams. Monitor and report on forecast accuracy (MAPE, bias, etc.) and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Data Management & Reporting

Assist in maintaining accurate forecasting data and planning parameters in the SAP IBP system. Generate reports and dashboards to track key metrics such as forecast accuracy, sales vs forecast, and stock performance. Support the preparation of planning packs and presentations for management and S&OP reviews.

Inventory & Service Support

Monitor inventory levels and highlight risks of potential stock-outs or overstocking. Support in balancing stock availability across channels while minimizing write-offs and obsolescence. Contribute to analysis of seasonal build-up plans and new product launch readiness.

Process & System Improvement

Support improvements in forecasting tools, processes, and reporting templates. Participate in system testing or upgrades related to planning and data management. Recommend ways to simplify workflows and enhance forecast visibility.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Science, Economics, or related field. 1-2 years' experience in demand planning, forecasting, or supply chain analysis (FMCG or retail environment preferred). Strong analytical and numerical skills with proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling). Experience with ERP or forecasting systems (e.g., SAP IBP, APO) is an advantage. Comfortable working with large datasets and drawing actionable insights. * Self-motivated team member who can drive resolution to issues with strong problem-solving skills.