Planner (Supply Chain)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Procurement Planner is responsible for maintaining targeted stock levels across all SKUs to ensure optimal service levels throughout the Pedros network while minimizing total supply chain costs. The role requires close collaboration with Suppliers, Distribution Centres, Production, Operations, Marketing, NPD, Finance, QA, and the broader Procurement Team to proactively prevent supply interruptions and support business continuity.

• Strategic Planning

• Execute forward planning for peaks, LTOs, promotions, and product launches in alignment with business expectations and cross-functional inputs.

• Anticipate risks and develop plans to ensure stable supply during critical trading periods.

• Develop the consolidated supply plan for input into the company-wide S&OP process.

• Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities, providing sound recommendations to the Procurement Team.

• Consolidate and prepare KPI packs for Procurement meetings.

• Supply Planning

• Develop a national supply plan across all depots by balancing supplier capability, network capacity (warehousing & transport), forecasted demand, and production constraints.

• Establish and maintain planning standards (days of cover, min/max levels, warehouse constraints, transport routes) and planning tools (Forecast & Replenishment, OUTL, Min/Max).

• Identify supply/demand exceptions and develop scenario plans (e.g., pricing adjustments, stock builds, shortage recovery plans).

• Drive the SOPO process through accurate stock, inbound, and transport routing updates.

• Lead discussions with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure long‑term production meets projected demand.

• Consolidate regional warehouse requirement plans into a national plan for decision-making.

• Provide weekly and daily planning views during peak periods.

• Oversee and optimize consolidated transport movements.

• Short-Term Supply Planning

• Conduct periodic (and daily during shortages) reviews of demand, stock cover, and replenishment needs across all regions and depots.

• Provide guidance on replenishment priorities by SKU, supplier, region, or depot.

• Maintain the inventory optimization model and determine minimum stock targets per SKU/DC using key variables (forecast accuracy, factory reliability, production cycle time, lead times, service levels).

• Support a “Planning for Profit” philosophy to improve service levels, profitability, and transport cost efficiency.

• Manage stakeholder expectations through clear and consistent communication.

• Periodically review and recommend adjustments to stock level targets for operational planning and budgeting.

• Stock Management

• Review stock targets quarterly and recommend adjustments where performance gaps exist.

• Assess and identify high‑risk, slow-moving, damaged, and obsolete stock at all holding points.

• Drive proactive reduction of risk stock and coordinate management of aged, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory with Planning, Procurement, and Operations.

• Monitor network-wide stock health and develop corrective action plans where required.

• Innovation & Discontinuation Coordination

• Support the introduction of innovation into the supply chain by ensuring appropriate stock cover before launch.

• Assist in the phase-out of discontinued items and ensure appropriate stock bleed‑

• Report weekly on obsolete stock and clearance plans.

• Ensure new product stock is received on schedule for go-live.

• Administration – Supplier Claims

• Process, track, and resolve supplier claims related to shortages, damages, pricing discrepancies, or quality issues.

• Verify claims through review of POs, delivery notes, invoices, and logistics documents.

• Work with suppliers and internal teams to establish liability and ensure compliance with contracts and policies.

• Maintain accurate records of claims and communicate outcomes to stakeholders.

• Identify recurring issues and collaborate with Procurement, Logistics, and Quality teams to prevent reoccurrence.

• Report claim trends to support supplier performance improvement.

• Outbound Supply Chain Reporting

• Update and distribute KPI scorecards weekly/monthly.

• Issue agreed national Supply Chain reports as required.

• Analyse KPI variances, provide insights, and recommend corrective actions.

• Prepare Procurement report packs and manage associated meeting minutes.

• Team Supervision

• Take ownership of tasks, deadlines, and self-development.

• Ensure continuity of work during team member absences.

• Monitor performance of trainees and interns and provide constructive feedback.

• Coach colleagues and support their development to achieve objectives.

• Team Coordination & Collaboration

• Ensure quality and productivity standards are consistently met.

• Communicate risks related to missed tasks or deadlines and provide suitable solutions.

• Demonstrate commitment to company values and support a collaborative team culture.

• Actively contribute to training initiatives and personal development.

• Participate in performance reviews and set clear, achievable goals.

• Maintain awareness of employee relations and take corrective action when required in line with policy and legislation.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or related field (preferred).
• 4–5 years of operational experience in a planning function.
• Experience working with large data sets.
• Professional certification (e.g., SAPICS CPIM) advantageous.
• Strong analytical, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.