Planner: Demand and Inventory - Retail at MTN

About the job

• Ideal candidate To co-ordinate the supply of stock and logistics between the channel & supply chain management  proactively communicate with all relevant teams about product forecast information, supply and  logistics
•  To ensure that all stock, and logistics are aligned to the Device Strategy, meet the SLA  requirements and MTN standard processes and procedures

Key Performance Areas: 

•  To be a key contact person within the region, between the channel & supply chain management  function and actively participate in supply chain planning team meetings and proactively  communicate with all relevant sub-channel teams about product forecast information
•  Compilation of channel quarterly, monthly and weekly sales forecast based on business plan,  selected products on roadmap, product mix, promo plan, marketing plan, seasonality, etc
•  Implement the outcomes of the forecast in a timeous manner as to achive the key goals of the  business
•  Analyse and compare combined sub-channels forecasts with the Business Plan /Forecast channel  forecast and address variances on quantity forecasted, mix, and ensure that only products in  the selected roadmap are forecasted on.
•  To re align the forecast based on new information in daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly  meetings 
•  Manage three months rolling forecast based on an assumed average six months product life cycle.  Managing the forecast also include functions of analysing and presenting a post mortem,  incorporating the economic outlook in to the forecast and forecasting to realist the device  strategy
•  Rank handset by model and track top 20 and top 10 % sales contribution; identifying their  possible substitutes aligned with OEM roadmap of upcoming handsets
•  Keep current on channel related activities that may influence the forecast numbers, such as:
•  Store roll-out or channel expansion (where applicable)  
•  Stock age
•  Promotional plans 
•  Void in the market created by an out of stock situation
•  Correlate data into accurate product trend information that will be utilized by the sub-channel  and supply chain cross-functional unit
•  From time to time coordinate with all concerned departments internally (Warehouse, marketing,  supply planning) to facilitate accurate channel forecasts
•  Tracking and analysis of stock in channel trends
•  Providing ad hoc reporting and analysis to support the wider device business unit 
•  Input into the objective of range improvement promotions and stock rationalization, according  to agreed channel objectives
•  Utilise consumer insights and information that will drive the right channel stocking patterns  and promotions

Operational Planning and Management

•  Manage all stock related contractual obligations
•  Liaise with Marketing and other internal departments to ensure alignment of activities
•  Co-ordinate the dissemination of communication within your regions.
•  Make inputs with regard to the long term implications of action plans from a broad perspective  (strategy of the device business unit and channel)
•  Drive best practice best practice, continuous improvement and innovation at process and  procedure level and ensure innovation to improve
•  Identify and explore innovative ways to enhance the Channel performance and marketing mix
•  Continuously facilitate Channel stock replenishment in-line with agreed forecasts.
•  Review and assess bottom-up forecasts. Identify the gaps between the bottom up, top down and  business plan
•  Create top-down forecast in-line with forecast cycles
•  Prioritise new product launch allocations. Forecast sell through and cannibalisation
•  Provide regular reports on stock management including for S&OP
•  Input findings and contribute to weekly stock meetings
•  Contribute to long-term improvement projects

Relationship building and maintenance

•  Build and maintain relationships with all stake holders.
•  Assist with supplier relationships
•  Liaise with external suppliers as necessary to respond to queries. Escalate where appropriate
•  Follow up on and respond to all queries 
•  Maintain good communication and relationships with the Channel

Customer Satisfaction

•  Adopt a proactive approach to prevent problems from arising in the future.
•  Develop and maintain solid relationships with stakeholders, building relationships to ensure  that all queries are responded to quickly and effectively.
•  Ensure delivery on customer specific strategies.
•  Identify trends / patterns pertaining to customer needs and filter this information through the  correct channels.
•  Initiate change to continually improve all aspects of service delivery and drive continuous  improvement as an important element of service delivery.
•  Initiate and maintain the forecasting feedback to KAMS and their customers
•  Put contingency plans in place to prevent delivery and service delays and enhance the customer  experience 

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Tasks:  

•  Build a customer centric approach
•  Encourage collaborative teamwork
•  Evaluate KPA and KPIs performance
•  Build professionalism, loyalty and commitment to the organization
•  Communicate actively and effectively 
•  Manage boundaries that separate units in order to optimise workflow
•  Live the MTN Brand – change and influence behaviour

Education:

•  Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Degree/Finance/Statistics/ Supply Chain 

Experience:

•  3 years of relevant experience in SCM, Statistical Modelling, partner management in a FMCG  environment 
•  Knowledge of supply & demand forecasting processes and strong experience is fostering supplier  collaboration.  
•  Experience with statistical forecasting and demand planning 
•  Knowledge of sales forecasting parameters and calculations
•  Experience with statistical curve maintenance and sales trend analysis
•  Experience with Master Data Management processes
•  Experience with Oracle Planning system is an asset
•  Experience in a forecasting and SCM related decision making role

Training:

•  Products and Services
•  Systems and process training
•  Computer training
•  Project management

Should you not hear from MTN within 14 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.