Job Description

Senior Demand Planner - JhbApplications are invited for the above-indicated vacancy that exists in the Demand Planning Division based in Gauteng. The incumbent will report directly to the Demand Planning LeadCompany DescriptionWe are a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company, improving the health of patients across the world through our high quality and affordable medicines. Active at every stage of the value chain, we are uniquely diversi?ed by geography, product and manufacturing capability.Aspen is a dynamic organisation built on entrepreneurial strength and forward-thinking minds. We attract high performing individuals who are passionate about their career and have a desire to exceed expectations. At aspen, not only do we source for the best talent but we also provide a host of opportunities for continuous development.The Groupxe2x80x99s key business segments are Manufacturing and Commercial Pharmaceuticals comprising Regional Brands and Sterile Focus Brands. We have approximately 9 100 employees at 69 established offices in over 50 countries and we improve the health of patients in more than 150 countries through our high quality, affordable medicines.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this role is to perform forecasting and demand planning. Act as a focal point to improve forecast accuracy. Assist in leveraging improvements in supply chain efficiency through demand-driven inventory optimization.Demand planner is responsible for product forecasting by creating and maintaining forecast models through baseline planning, market insights and events planning.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Demand Plan Generation & MaintenanceCollaboration with business unit heads, brand, and sales to generate and maintain a 24-month rolling forecast with latest assumptionsDrive accurate forecast in statistical and consensus forecasting covering both baseline and events planningMaintain demand planning systems to reflect latest forecastForecastingCreate statistical forecastsAnalyse historical demand and remove anomalies (including outliers) from the norm using historical informationExecute statistical modellingReview resulting statistical forecast modelApply error analysis techniques to improve forecasting, update best fit statistical model to generate accurate base forecastSummarize/aggregateCreate consensus forecastAchieve consensus for operational demand forecast by facilitating monthly forecast meeting with sales, marketing & financeBuild into the monthly forecast any relevant market intelligence information discussed at the marketing updates on pricing, promotion, market penetration.Prepare relevant forecast and performance data as well as research materials to drive discussions on forward forecast adjustments, on both base and eventsProvide insights to past promotional activities through analytics and share recommendations on forecast adjustments or promotion adjustmentsCoordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine forecast model to reflect latest sales and assumptionsForecasting Performance TrackingMonitor forecast trends & errors. Analyse forecast accuracy and bias performance through tracking sales actual and unpacking market insights and various demand driversPresent the forecast accuracy at the Forecast review meeting, agreed on root cause analysis and corrective actions.Monitoring actual sales to drive continuous improvements in consensus forecasting with marketing and salesBudget and Financial forecasting processGenerate and approve a budget demand planAttendance of Quarterly Financial Forecasting process with Brand and FinanceAgree with Brand and Finance on base plan and submit to GSK Finance on a yearly basis for GSK budgets (where applicable)Providing purchasing forecasts for Clones to finance quarterly.Supply Planning & Inventory ManagementTrack stock supply point delivery vs actual, conduct required follow up to ensure service deliveryAttend relevant sales and operations execution meetings with suppliersAssess stock prioritization, pull forward and deferral request based on demand movementsEnsure stock holding conforms with inventory policy and investigate deviations for corrective actions. Alternatively provide scenarios for decision making on proposed stock holding.Identify and review items with excess inventory and propose action plan.Manage short dated stock and drive demand shaping with Marketing xe2x80x93 repacks/shelf extensions/special activities where allowed by GSK RA.Minimise write off costs on slow moving stock by proposing change in stock policy or demand shaping actions to reduce write off.Preparation of supply planning related reports for monthly supplier engagement meetingsProviding commentary monthly on excess and shortfall stock as well as key drivers to inventory forward.Explore alternative supply options including section 21 and 36 products. Manage Section 21 supply processLiaise with GSK/Other 3rd parties QA on post importation testing (where applicable)Process purchase orders and obtain approvals for ClonesUpdate Purchase orders for GSK and generate ASN numbers.Provide front end feedback to the supply sites on latest demand movements, coordinate discussions on the opportunities and risks regarding demand and supply.Provide input to supply points in developing inventory strategies on existing, new and phased-out productsOther Demand Planning ActivitiesManage the process for suspended and discontinued items.Enter and modify data and ensure the correctness of product hierarchy and master dataManage packaging product phase in and phase outManage new product launches and ensuring all master data has been maintained to ensure upload of stock and demand.Ensure demand is downloaded for relevant supply partiesGenerating new codes at distributors for new launchesEnsure Aspen item master is updated in line with GSK/Supplier Product Information ListParameters are reviewed and revised when necessary with specific reference to Safety Stock, Replenishment Cycles and Lead timesSupporting planning related projects, system upgrade/transitionsSupport IT to resolve any system integration and data interface issues that may impact planning activitiesContinuous ImprovementsConduct ad hoc analytics required improve forecast accuracy performanceSupport demand planning lead with process and system streamlining and improvement plansDrive SKU segmentation in day to day planning activities EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:MatricRelevant University qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or Engineering5+ years of experience in Demand Planning including replenishment forecastingPrevious exposure on working with statistical forecast is a plusExposure to supply chain and S&OP is a mustPrevious experience in data science is a plusCPF or CPIM an advantageExperience in the FMCG/Pharmaceutical industries is essentialStrong knowledge of exports/imports is essentialGood working knowledge with ERP systems (SAP) and forecasting ToolsSKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:Effective planning, organising and co-ordinatingHighly numerate with excellent analytical skillsStrong capabilities in logical reasoningResults drivenEffective problem solving and decision makingCommercial and strategic awarenessIndependent and self-directed individual that can drive executionInfluencing capabilitiesEffective interpersonal skills, the ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) and articulate risks with an understanding of overall impact/sensitivity to rest of the businessAttention to detailProject management skills is a plusAbility to think strategically and innovatively around total rewardsData scientist experience is a plusAbility to apply demand planning principles in the existing system landscape and provide opportunities on enhancementBeing able to coach and transfer knowledge to pipeline talentsAbility to operationalize and adopt planning best practices in day to day planningKNOWLEDGE:Computer skills on MS OfficeA solid understanding of S&OP, demand, and supply planningDeep working knowledge of ERP systemsDeep technical knowledge of demand planning & statistical forecastVast experience on demand managementAspen is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and suitably qualified job applicants are invited to submit their CV online on or before the 15th September 2023. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups through a fair recruitment and selection process in accordance with laws governing employment equity, where such laws are applicable to Aspen.Internal Applications must be completed using an Aspen mailing address after applicants have informed their direct managers of their applications.

JTJ Group