Demand Planner at Corporate Staffing

Job Purpose

• To lead the sales and purchasing process and strategy for the specific product categories assigned.
• To optimise profit generation for the specific product lines to meet business objectives. 
• Achieve optimum stock positions based on supplier terms and stock movement. 
• Work closely with all sales channels to drive the revenue budgets for each channel.
• Ensure quality after sales service and supplier compensation in line with actual costs incurred. 
• Track the brand contracts and ensure claims are done on time delivering the brand P&L profit. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop a strategy for the assigned product portfolio.
• Ensure product portfolio is relevant to the market based on local and global trends.
• Ensure time-based strategy for any EOL models.
• Maintain and update rolling forecasts for all products in line with sales & inventory levels.
• Develop and maintain strong relations with suppliers to derive maximum value
• Ensure proper contracts and SLAs are maintained with all suppliers
• Negotiate with suppliers for specifications, MOQs, prices, terms and promotions.
• Ensure suppliers have a robust quality control policy for the sourced products
• Resolve any quality issues with suppliers to get timely support and rectification.
• Ensure competitive pricing based on market intelligence and product strategy.
• Ensure timely shipments in the most cost-effective mode.
• Maintain inventory levels to avoid overstocking or stockouts.
• Track market information on competitor products, pricing and trends
• Have full product knowledge and impart the same to sales team.
• Execute timely promotions as per annual marketing plan, based on supplier discussions and channel requirements

Requirements of the role.

• Prepare annual purchase budgets based on strategic goals.
• Prepare monthly reports on achievements versus budget for the given brands and categories. 
• Ensure supplier claims are done promptly in the system and re-imbursement done within 30 days.
• Maintain updated costing sheets, projections, order charts & PSI.
• Achieve the target stock turnover
• Act on ageing stock and EOL models monthly. 
• Be on top of the brand P&L ensuring the gross margin benchmarks are achieved. 
• Create and update training materials – train the respective channels as per the agreed training calendar
• Ensure the dealer price list and internal price lists are updated on a monthly basis 
• Market visits minimum twice per month with field visit reports after completion. 
• Monthly meeting with respective sales channels to review performance and support areas.
• Price charts to be maintained mapping our brands versus competitor brands.
• Assist in development of sales promotions and other portfolio related marketing activities
• Resolve any service issues from the channels for the brands allocated.
• Ensure online features and retail feature cards are aligned and updated. 
• Ensure correct pricing and descriptions of the products in the category.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum qualification of a degree in business or any other relevant field.
• Previous experience in commercial, procurement or sales. Preferably in similar industry.
• Extensive knowledge of the channel management, forecasting and strategic planning.
• Extensive knowledge of the retail market sector and consumer electronic products.
• Understanding of market trends and mapping.
• Extensive financial & supply chain knowledge.
• Knowledge of preparation of budgets
• Track record of effective strategy execution.
• Track record negotiating with suppliers
• Planning and forecasting skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and timely execution
• Report writing and presentation skills.
• Budget management skills.
• Market mapping – trends, segmenting and tracking
• Ability to understand product and train
• Identifying and sourcing products based on market trends and requirements