Manager, Collaborative Planner at Metso Outotec

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Communicate and work together seamlessly with Market Area Africa, Customers, Global Logistics Operations and Product Line to acquire and ensure accuracy of the demand forecast used as base for planning of Metso operations.
• Work with Market Area Africa sales and customers to build a consensus plan of orders and forecast.
• Transfer customer demand forecast input to the Global Logistics Operations and other internal organizations through administration of the respective systems (SAP and workflows).
• Request Special Planning Parameters (SPP) based on Market Area, Customer and Product Line information and utilizing the special supporting tools for accurate estimates on required stock levels.
• Coordinate the supply of standard items to meet internal and external customer requirements.
• Monitor selected key accounts on performance for key performance metrics and utilize prioritized escalation to support channels.
• Identify and act to mitigate potential deviations in baseline datasets, forecast, transactional data of customer and Global Logistics Operations.
• Find opportunities to educate business stakeholders (internal and external) in the collaborative planning best practices and available Global Logistics Operations support models that could be easily connected to increase value add and business with key accounts.
• Assist the market area internal stakeholders with analysis and reporting related to selected customer centric inventory planning.
• Check stocking requests against inventory records, or stock on hand.
• Support workflow requests accuracy.

WHO YOU ARE

• Matric (Grade 12)
• A bachelor's degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field would be an advantage.
• Experienced in a similar role or industry can be a significant advantage. 
• Previous SAP experience.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft office tools i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Preferable knowledge of Global Principle or Intercompany Model would be an advantage.
• Experience in working in a customer-focused and fast-paced professional environment.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust.

WHAT SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS (HARD AND SOFT) ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THIS ROLE?

• Customer-centric mindset, able to translate customer issues/needs into profitable business solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to forecast demand and optimize inventory levels.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and customers.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong emphasis on understanding and meeting the unique requirements of key clients.
• Highly motivated individual with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to develop long-term inventory strategies aligned with business goals.
• Skills to negotiate with suppliers and manage stakeholder expectations.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Prepared to work flexible hours to meet deadlines when required.
• Driven and independent self-starter focused on meeting or exceeding targets set.
• Ability to lead when the situation requires.
• Ability to manage own time.
• Concern for all aspects of the job; accurately checking processes and tasks.
• Required to travel at times.