Job Description

We are currently seeking a dynamic individual to join our team and contribute to our ongoing success. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, collaborating with a diverse team, and embracing continuous learning and growth, Econofoods could be the perfect fit for you. Join us in our mission to provide quality products, value, and service to our customers, every single day.The purpose of the National Demand Planning Manager Is to oversee the entire management of the stock quality and quantity in support of the category and supply chain strategy through effective planning and forecasting of sales, cost of sales, purchases, and stock, thereby ensuring continued sales and profit growth whilst optimizing working capital.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategy planning and operational execution
• Demand forecasting management of team
• Supply chain and stock optimization management
• Order and Replenishment management
• Supplier/customer management
• Stock Management of stock days ageing stock, over stock and short deliveries
• Sets/ reviews /Optimizes item ordering parameters in line with Cost to Serve and stock holding targets for items in the category.
• Implement, execute an effective stock planning and forecast model/system.

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Management of the ordering and delivery cycles to ensure stock level, working capital and DC space utilization are optimized.
• Provides category buyers with historical performance and forecast information for deal buy-in and promotion items and agrees these forecasts with Buyer before implementing.
• Manage & tracks in-stock and overstock performance of the demand planning teams ensuring forecast accuracy
• Promotion Performance (actual vs planned) to be reviewed and presented monthly
• Category stock level performance stock turn & days forward cover actual vs budget/target.
• In-stock performance for warehouse & retail reviewed weekly / monthly
• Supplier Fill-rate and delivery performance tracked by demand planner
• Calculates order qty input on all special buy-in orders to ensure profitability and in-stock. (buy-in ahead of price increase, production issues, supplier operational closures).
• Oversee and manage the store requests for significant stock qty requests presented by demand planners
• Stock Levels in line with Days forward cover and stock turn
• Management of the ordering and delivery cycles to Retail to ensure stock level, working capital and Retail store space utilization are optimized.
• Drives governance in the deal-buying segment of the ordering process and in line with the business plan.
• Engages with entire Supply Chain on special projects or initiatives to improve the efficiency of Skus / Categories
• Manage the stock pulse system in terms of efficiency, user interaction, optimization of the stock pulse system.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE?Matric certificate or equivalent qualification.? Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, or a related field.?Proven 5 - 8 years of experience in category planning, demand planning, inventory management, or a similar role in retail or FMCG.?Excellent leadership and team management skills.?Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.?Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with inventory management or ERP systems.?Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to identify challenges and develop practical solutions to address them.?Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.?Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.COMPETENCIES REQUIRED?Building and maintaining relationships with strong interpersonal skills - living out the company values and unique HO HOLA culture.?Friendly, helpful, confident yet humble, and able to work well in a team.?Ability to work in a highly competitive, fast past and dynamic environment.?Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and verbal).?Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft.?Strong communication skills.?Accuracy and attention to detail.HOW TO APPLYIf you are passionate about this position and possess the skills and experience to excel in this role, we invite you to join our team. Interested candidates should submit their application through this application portal.We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the team.CLOSING DATEFriday, 13 June 2025Join us in shaping the future of Econofoods!By submitting your application, you are giving Econofoods implicit consent to the storage and processing of your personal information. Econofoods is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you not receive a response within 4 weeks of your application, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.