Demand Planner

Demand Planner position available in Cape Town.

Our food manufacturing client based in Ottery is seeking an experienced Demand Planner to join their supply chain and planning team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring accurate demand forecasting, effective stock management, and alignment between customer demand, production planning, procurement, and overall business requirements.

This role requires a highly analytical and detail-driven individual who can interpret historical sales data, sales trends, seasonality, promotional activity, and market demand to support accurate forecasting and planning within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

The Demand Planner will work closely with Sales, Production, Procurement, Warehouse, Finance, and Operations to ensure the correct balance between supply and demand is maintained. Responsibilities will include monitoring stock availability, identifying potential supply risks, reducing stock shortages and overstock situations, supporting production and procurement planning, and assisting with the management of slow-moving, obsolete, and short-dated stock.

The role will also involve preparing planning reports, reviewing forecast accuracy, identifying improvement areas, and contributing to planning and S&OP discussions to support operational efficiency and customer service levels.

Location: Ottery, Cape Town.

Salary: R30 000 to R45 000. CTC per month depending on experience.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric
• Relevant qualification in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Business, or similar.
• 3-5 years experience as a Demand Planner, Supply Planner, Production Planner, or similar role.
• Experience within the food manufacturing / FMCG industry is highly advantageous.
• Strong Excel skills are essential.
• Experience working on an ERP/MRP system.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and forecasting skills.
• Good understanding of inventory management, production planning, and supply chain processes.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and manage demand forecasts across product categories.
• Analyse historical sales data, market trends, seasonality, promotions, and customer demand.
• Work closely with Sales, Production, Procurement, Warehouse, and Finance teams to align supply with demand.
• Monitor stock levels and assist in reducing stock shortages, overstocking, and wastage.
• Prepare weekly and monthly demand planning reports.
• Review forecast accuracy and identify areas for improvement.
• Support production planning by providing accurate demand information.
• Assist with managing slow-moving, obsolete, and short-dated stock.
• Track promotional activity and its impact on demand.
• Maintain accurate master data and planning information on the ERP/system.
• Identify supply chain risks and communicate potential stock issues proactively.
• Participate in S&OP/planning meetings where required.

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