Head of Demand Planning at d.light

Reporting to:Senior Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis 

Job Tier Level:  C3

Direct Reportees:None

Position Description 

1. The job holder will be responsible for all forecasting activities associated with customers and products for Africa VI Markets. The Demand Planner will create and maintain forecast models for all Africa Opcos, incorporating business intelligence and forecast information gathered from sales, marketing, finance, warehousing, Africa logistics and China operations.The  job  holder  will  require  skills  in  forecast  modelling,  be  highly  analytical  and  possess  excellent communication skills. R&Rs 
2. Develop and prepare demand forecasts (operational forecasts) at multiple levels of aggregation for multiple time horizons as part of a demand planning function.
3. Support Annual Business Planning/monthly forecasting process by driving volume and value forecasting
4. Review  historical  sales  trends,  research  demand  drivers,  prepare  forecast  data,  develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.
5. Coordinate cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions.
6. Regular reporting to Senior and Executive management of the demand plan and KPIs.
7. Interact with sales, marketing, and finance to understand demand forecast drivers.
8. Utilize a collaborative and consensus approach by working with sales, marketing, finance, Africa logistics and China operations to obtain and ensure that current and accurate information is used for demand forecasts.
9. Provide input to the Supply Planning organization in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs (volume planning for latest estimates / annual process)
10. Closely coordinate and communicate customer action plans with supply planning
11. Constantly  engage  with  stakeholders  to  ensure  alignment  in  lead  times,  inventory  days, liquidation plans and inventory aging. 

KPIs

• Accurate  demand  forecasting  that  allows  the  company  to  correctly  predict  inventory requirements.
• Accurate information for supply chain/manufacturer of SKUs.
• Refined systems and methods to continually improve forecasts of SKUs requirements.
• Accurate performance metrics on opportunities and risks regarding inventory replenishment.
• Desired Skills and Experience
• Minimum of a degree in business, supply chain and any other relevant fields.
• A minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in a demand planning/forecasting role.
• Sound/advance knowledge of Microsoft Excel to analyze the demand planning & forecasting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of demand planning philosophies and processes, and proven record of success
• Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures.
• Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge
• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills with a strategic ability 
• Strong  mindset  for  meeting  or  exceeding  expectations  and  able  to  demonstrate  complete discretion and confidentiality 
• Strong  people  management  skills  and  experience  in  managing  third-party  consultancies  to achieve deliverables 
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on tact and diplomacy 
• Passion for social enterprise, development of people and environmental benefits