SA Demand Planner & Buyer

About the role

This role supports the organisation by improving demand forecasts and order fulfilment while reducing ordering errors. It works with stakeholders to give strategic input on order quantities and continuously improves order forecast models, and also covers a key product portfolio within the Henry Schein group.

Key responsibilities

• Demand planning (60%): report daily on order fill rates, extract reports from the Navision system to refresh re-order templates and roll them over each month
• Work with the EU purchasing team on re-order inputs, processes and metrics, and consider moving re-ordering onto Navision or other platforms
• Review draft purchase orders from buyers against re-order spreadsheets, identify trends and patterns, and take part in monthly S&OP meetings
• Liaise with sales and marketing on projections, design and run solutions to improve forecast accuracy, and build and maintain the forecast model
• Support management with risk assessments and mitigation, and create demand planning and order placement policies
• Buying (40%): review re-order worksheets for inter-company and HS Brand vendors, draft purchase orders and order plans
• Submit approved POs to suppliers after line manager review, and update pricing, quantities and ETAs from supplier confirmations
• Update order pricing, quantities and ETAs, liaise with logistics on large orders not shipped by UPS, and share ETA updates with sales and marketing, especially for out-of-stock products
• Run monthly forecast reviews with the Henry Schein Brands manager and address demand issues promptly

Required profile

• Experience in a team environment, working with internal and external partners
• Highly analytical, strategic thinker, able to multitask and work under pressure
• Deadline driven, good communicator, comfortable with large data sets and confidential information
• Minimum Matric exemption certificate; preferred bachelor's degree in a procurement or supply chain field
• Preferred 5 years of experience in a supply chain environment

Required skills

• Advanced Excel skills (macros an advantage)
• Knowledge of advanced forecasting techniques
• Querying, report writing and presentation