Demand Manager – Sandton

Gauteng, Full Time Deadline: Not specified

ROLE SUMMARY

Lead, plan and execute demand and supply strategies and tactics by acting as a strategic business partner with deep knowledge of the business, products, and industry trends. Leverage digital technologies to perform thorough data analysis and partner with commercial team to identify/drive upside revenue opportunities and innovative and patient-centric solutions. Responsible for demand forecasting, leading Sales and Operations Planning (S’OP) process, managing new product launches, product change management, inventory planning, supply assurance in collaboration with the Above Market Planning Hub and special project management. The role requires a strong ability to manage cross-functional teams, proactive problem identification and resolution, issue escalation to regional and/or global teams and effective communication and management of issues and recovery plans to key stakeholders.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for demand forecast for assigned portfolio across multiple time horizons
Partner with commercial and finance teams to ensure clear rationalization for gaps between unit and financial forecast
Leverage statistical forecast modeling to automate demand planning where possible in collaboration with Above Market Forecasting teams
Lead local S’OP process with cross-functional team participation to ensure mutual accountability, visibility, and alignment on key decisions to ensure supply continuity
Support and/or influence commercial decision-making through a deep understanding of the portfolio, business, and industry trends in order to provide key insights and create value for company
Leverage digital technologies to gather new insights from data and partner with stakeholders to identify/drive upside revenue opportunities and innovative and patient/customer-centric solutions.
Lead and coordinate operational activities for accelerated new product launches and major and non-routine special projects
Monitor performance against KPIs (Forecast error, forecast bias, inventory $/MOH, write-offs, statistical forecast adherence, new product launch metrics) Partner with Above market planning to ensure continuous supply. Play active role in escalation of supply issues and the management and communication of recovery plans to internal and external stakeholders
Challenge status quo and ensure continuous improvement/ operational excellence and standardization of demand planning/S’OP processes.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Experience leading cross-functional team projects
Demonstrated business acumen, industry, and product knowledge; including trends, competitive landscape and industry best practices which can impact the business
Understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Operations Management or other relevant discipline
Knowledge of supply chain and logistics processes and systems, especially related to ERP/MRP, forecasting, distribution ’ logistics.
5+ years’ experience in a supply chain role

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree Supply Chain/Operations Management or other relevant discipline
Experience in Pharma industry considered an asset
CPIM or CSCP certification by APICS is preferred
Statistical forecasting experience
Finance skills

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Strong communication and presentation skills, ability to interact with diverse and complex audiences
Ability to interpret/ analyze data, draw meaningful conclusions and influence key stakeholders by presenting comprehensive solutions and recommendations.

Works closely with:

PGS supply teams (global and regional)
AMP/Hub supply organization
Brand Managers and BU Commercial Directors
Business Finance partners
Regulatory Affairs managers
Other cross-functional team members (Quality Affairs, Artwork/labelling, Customer Service, Trade Relations, Access, Communications, etc)

 

Skills: