KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Demand Forecasting

• Develop accurate production schedules to ensure efficient operations and meet sales forecasts and customer demand.
• Perform data analysis and historical trends to forecast demand, and production requirements for operating units
• Calculate and analyse variations between budget, forecast and actual sales.
• Update volumes in case of changes in business requirements.
• Support Sales & Marketing through provision of historical data, to inform their budget volumes.

Sales & Operations Planning and Tracking

• Develop strategic plans to optimize production, distribution, and sales of bulk and finished goods, track execution and recommend corrective action to relevant stakeholders, real-time.
• Conduct market analysis, assess competitor activities, and identify growth opportunities to inform strategic decision-making.
• Conduct analyses of periodic plans against actuals and make timeous adjustments to overall operational plans to ensure all customer demands are covered.
• Maintain and update the production tracker (plan vs actual) with the Operations management team.
• Collaborate with the Commercial team to ensure that there are sufficient bulk raw materials on contract to meet production requirements.
• Ensure constant adherence and compliance to Company Policies and procedures, security standards, local by-laws, standards, and legislation to minimise all risks pertaining to company assets and protection of life.

Inventory and Capacity Management

• Formulate Implement inventory optimization strategies to minimize costs while maintaining adequate stock levels to meet business needs.
• Monitor inventory levels, procurement, and storage of raw materials and finished products.
• Monitor and report on all bulk stock levels at all storage locations.
• Ensure all inbound logistics and production planning are aligned within capacities.
• Ensure that model stock levels are adhered to for all finished goods.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, i.e. Sales, Commercial, and Operations
• Take the lead in developing and maintaining a cohesive multidisciplinary team including sales, commercial, planning, logistics, production/operations, and finance to ensure productivity and compliance.
• Facilitate synergy across various departments to ensure alignment to plans and execution.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to address stakeholder concerns and support business growth initiatives

Performance Tracking & Control

• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure the success of the sales and operations planning function.
• Monitor performance against targets, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions as needed to drive continuous improvement and achieve business goals.

QUALIFYING ATTRIBUTES

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, Economics, Finance, or related field

Experience

• 5 years proven experience in operations planning, supply chain, and business development within the agricultural or food processing industry.
• Supply chain processes Management

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data interpretation and forecasting techniques Knowledge
• Business Acumen
• Operations/production process flow
• Financial Analysis, budgeting, forecasting.
• Strategic Planning methodologies
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals despite capacity constraints
• Applicable laws i.e. Competition etc.
• Supply chain processes Management
• Computer proficiency, MS Office & SAP
• Analytical and Integration
• Strategic planning
• Problem management
• Project management
• Verbal and written Communication Skills
• Relationship building
• Stakeholder engagement and management
• Collaboration
• Negotiation and Influencing
• Leadership Skills
• Ability to work to tight deadlines, deal with multiple issues, and cope with pressure
• Adaptive and responsive to changing business demands and priorities
• Innovative

Competencies

• Customer orientated
• Logical and consequential thinking
• Agile
• Inclination to function independently as well as part of a team
• Professional
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to think critically, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term strategic plans.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust strategies and priorities in response to changing business needs and priorities.
• Collaborative: Willingness to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Resilience: Capacity to remain resilient in the face of challenges, setbacks, or failures, and maintain focus on achieving objectives.
• Ethical Integrity: Commitment to ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity in all business dealings.
• Innovative: Willingness to explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to drive business growth and competitive advantage