Sales Planner

Paarl, South Africa | Posted on 28 / 03 /

The primary purpose of this role is to be the link between the packhouse, field-pack sites, sales managers, and logistics team.

During the harvesting season, the sales planner is responsible for supply (Crop Estimates) versus demand (Sales Opportunities).

To interrogate this in finer detail with the Commercial Product Allocator, advise and guide the wider sales team and sales managers on what is possible every week in terms of order fulfillment and customer centrality goals.

The planner relays the final outcome to the packhouse to action in the form of packing instructions.

The Planner also guides the daily stock calls.

It is the commercial planner's key focus to ensure orders are executed promptly and accurately.

There is also additional information that must be gathered from and communicated to growers and other stakeholders for which the sales planner is also responsible.

Key Performance Outputs Capture and manage orders on Netsuite; coordinate vessel splits and stock allocations after loading.

Compile and maintain Sea / Air order sheets; ensure all orders are accurately recorded.

Send weekly container forecasts (4-week rolling) and manage daily airfreight space bookings based on updated supply and demand.

Lead daily stock meetings, flag old stock, and resolve discrepancies with packhouses.

Issue and follow up on packing instructions to packhouses, ensuring all specifications and delivery details are correct and orders are completed.

Confirm daily order readiness with logistics and reallocate any changes as needed.

Allocate pallets to outbound shipments according to each client's requirements.

Maintain and update grower information : contact lists, Grower Matrix, profiles, forms, and end-of-season scorecards.

Assist with packaging and brand planning, grower reviews, data reporting, and updating packing guides.

RequirementsQualification / Experience BComm Degree with a Marketing / Logistics / International Trade major or

Minimum 3-5 years of work experience in fresh produce fruit commodities is key.

Functional / Technical Proficiency in using Netsuite or similar ERP systems.

Experience in sales coordination, market intelligence, or related roles.

Leadership / Behavioural Excellent communication skills; verbal and written.

Excellent planning and organisational skills.

Building and maintaining good interpersonal relationships.

Detail and results oriented.

Ability to act with tact and discretion.

Ability to work under pressure with strict timelines.

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