PLANNER - (Food Services and Woolworths Perishables)

Position: Planner

Reporting to: Planning Manager Foodservice (Perishables) and Woolworths

Location: Montague Gardens, Bolt Avenue

To ensure the seamless availability and flow of products by coordinating procurement, supply planning, logistics, systems administration, and supplier relationships. The Planner drives efficient inventory and supply chain operations through accurate analysis, proactive risk management, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous process improvement, ensuring products are delivered on time, within cost requirements, and in support of business objectives.

Key Job Functions

• Supplier Correspondence: Manage communication with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate order fulfilment. This includes maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring clear communication, and promptly addressing any issues that may arise.
• Planning and Data Analysis: Review and manage planning files, conduct planning file data analysis, and place orders upon approval.
• Logistics Management: Monitor and expedite shipments to ensure timely delivery. Approve commercial invoices for shared invoicing function. This includes tracking the status of shipments, identifying and resolving any delays, and keeping relevant stakeholders informed about shipment status.
• Reporting and Systems Maintenance: Provide support on reporting platforms, including Foodservice and Woolworths. Maintain systems like Syspro for SKU creation and Tradecloud. This involves using various software systems to manage data, generate reports, and ensure data accuracy.
• Internal Transfers: Coordinate internal transfers between Cape Town and Johannesburg. This involves managing the movement of goods between different locations, ensuring efficient and timely transfers. Oversees regional transfers for FS.
• Financial Duties: Handle prepayment requests in coordination with the Finance department. This includes managing financial documentation, ensuring accuracy, and coordinating with the Finance department to manage prepayments. Checking and signing off proforma invoices from suppliers. Getting approval from the responsible party for any pricing or quantity variations.
• Import Permit Maintenance: Maintain import permits and provide backup for applications. This involves ensuring compliance with import regulations, maintaining necessary permits, and providing support for permit applications.
• Product Management: Manage the pre-costing process for new lines and NPD (New Product Development) requirements. This involves working closely with the product development team, managing the costing process for new products, and ensuring successful product launches.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Act as the planning representative for cross-departmental collaboration at Printers Way. This involves collaborating with different departments, coordinating efforts, and ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Process Implementation: Proactively implement and improve processes. This involves identifying opportunities for process improvement, implementing new processes, and continuously monitoring and improving existing processes.
• Ad Hoc Support: Provide ongoing development and ad hoc support to the reporting line. This involves providing support for various tasks as needed, assisting with problem-solving, and contributing to the development of the team. Risk Management: Prepare and manage availability and risk reports. This involves identifying potential risks, preparing risk reports, and implementing strategies to manage and mitigate these risks.

Knowledge and Experience Required

• Planning - FMCG:
• Knowledge of and a minimum of 2 years experience of planning in the FMCG industry.
• Education: Relevant Degree or Qualification (supply chain, planning or logistics).
• Good understanding of Supply Chain processes.
• Knowledge of import processes and procedures.
• Software proficiency:
• Proficient in MS Office, with advanced skills in MS PowerPoint and Excel: Intermediate / advanced skills.
• Knowledge and experience in working on Syspro and/or other ERP systems
• Project Management:
• Strong planning and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Customer Focus:
• Proficient in building and enhancing customer relationships
• Understanding of customer requirements and processes.
• Leadership:
• Effective in leading, managing, and developing a small team.

Person Profile, Skills, and Attitude

• Energetic and Self-Driven: A creative, innovative, and client-oriented individual who is highly motivated and passionate about food.
• Deadline-Oriented: Proven ability to meet key deadlines and deliver results while working under pressure.
• Communication:
• • Excellent command of English, with strong communication and presentation skills.
    • Ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to influence, persuade, and engage stakeholders.
• High Personal Standards: Displays integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to quality in all tasks.

Key Competencies

• Numerical & Statistical Analysis: Ability to analyse, interpret, and apply data to support business decisions.
• Numerical & Statistical Analysis: Ability to analyse, interpret, and apply data to support business decisions.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to solve complex problems logically and effectively.
• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates sound judgment and the ability to solve complex problems logically and effectively.

Please note that you may on occasion be required to perform tasks that are not part of your normal daily duties but may be necessary due to the operational requirements of the Company**.**

Note: Preference will be given to EE candidates in line with the Company’s employment equity plan and BBBEE strategy.