Retail Demand Planning & Allocation Specialist

Our client, an established retail leader known for its extensive store network and dynamic product categories, seeks a dedicated Retail Demand Planning & Allocation Specialist to join their team. This role offers significant responsibility in shaping demand forecasts, optimizing stock levels, and supporting strategic decisions across the business.

Duties:

• Build and maintain rolling 52-week forecasts at SKU, category, and store/cluster levels using Netstock, BI tools, and historical sales data
• Develop baseline, seasonal, and event-based forecasts for key retail periods such as back-to-school, Christmas, and peak seasons
• Collaborate with Category Managers to model demand trends and anticipate supply constraints based on supplier intelligence
• Generate demand scenarios for new ranges, promotions, and assortment adjustments to inform merchandising strategies
• Lead monthly Demand Review meetings with Retail Merchandising, Planning Managers, and Category Managers, incorporating insights from operations and supply chain teams
• Identify forecasting risks early, escalating issues to senior management for prompt resolution
• Set and review inventory parameters including min-max levels, safety stock, and reorder points to optimise stock across branches
• Oversee allocation runs and auto-replenishment rules, ensuring stores receive appropriate stock based on demand and capacity
• Monitor weeks of cover (WOC) and adjust replenishment strategies proactively to meet targets
• Manage stock levels to prevent overstocks and aged inventory through markdowns, SKU rationalization, and inter-branch transfers
• Support promotional planning by modeling performance uplift and preparing buy quantities
• Post-event, analyse forecast accuracy to foster continuous improvement and reduce margin leakage
• Maintain and enhance data integrity within Netstock and forecasting tools
• Prepare comprehensive dashboards on stock availability and coverage for ongoing monitoring
• Ensure alignment of master data with space capacity, product hierarchy, and planogram assumptions
• Conduct regular audits to uphold data quality for forecasting and allocation accuracy
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams through Sales & Operations Planning meetings to ensure cohesive planning
• Support strategic initiatives via ad-hoc analysis, investigating demand anomalies and supply disruptions

Requirements:

• 3-5 years of solid experience in demand planning, forecasting, or allocation within a multi-store retail environment
• Proficiency with inventory management systems such as Netstock or similar tools
• Strong experience with BI tools like Power BI or Tableau
• Knowledge of retail categories such as stationery, FMCG, apparel, or lifestyle goods
• Proven ability to build and maintain accurate forecasts at SKU, category, and store levels
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making
• Excellent tools and systems knowledge for demand and inventory optimization

Nice to Have:

• Experience working within fast-paced, multi-category retail environments
• Familiarity with space planning, category management, and planogram processes
• Exposure to strategic inventory and supply chain initiatives

This role is a full time office based role in Germiston. If you are ready to leverage your skills in a challenging and rewarding role that offers scope for growth and impact.

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