SA Demand Planner & Buyer

1. GENERAL SUMMARY: This role will primarily support the organization by improving demand forecasts and order fulfilment, while aiming to reduce ordering errors. Partnering with stakeholders, provide strategic inputs and insights that will aid in decision making for optimal order quantities; this includes continuously improving order forecast models. The role will secondarily be responsible for a key portfolio of products in the Henry Schein group. 2. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: DEMAND PLANNING (60%) • Report daily on order fill rates. • Regularly extract reports from the Navision system to refresh the excel re-order templates used by the department. At the start of each calendar month, roll-over the re-order templates to the new month. • Consult with EU purchasing team regarding optimal re-order inputs, processes and metrics. • Consider other potential improvements to the template and the re-ordering process, while ultimately supporting the business to move re-ordering onto Navision or other platforms. • Review the draft purchase orders initiated by buyers, by referring to the re-order spreadsheets for those vendors. Identify trends and patterns of orders and forecasts. • Participate in monthly S&OP meetings and prepare reports/ presentations/ summaries as required. • Liaise with key sales and marketing personnel regarding projections. • Design and implement solutions to improve demand forecast accuracy. • Develop and maintain forecast model based on trends and demand patterns. • Support management with risk assessments and mitigation. • Create and implement policies and procedures related to demand planning and order placement. • Lead or participate in special projects and performs other duties as required. BUYING (40%) • Review re-order worksheets for the Henry Schein portfolio of inter-company vendors & HS Brand vendors. • Draft purchase orders and prepare order plans. • Upon review by line manager, make applicable changes and submit approved POs to suppliers. • According to supplier order confirmations, update order pricing, quantities and ETAs. • Liaise with Logistics specialist for any large orders not shipping with UPS. • Provide updates to the sales & marketing teams on eta’s especially for out-of-stock products. • Conduct monthly forecast reviews with Henry Schein Brands manager. • Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner. 3. CHARACTERISTICS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE: • Experience in team environment - working collaboratively with internal and external partners • Highly analytical and attentive to detail • Strategic thinking • Advanced excel skills (experience in macros an advantage) • Knowledge of advanced forecasting techniques • Able to multitask • Deadline driven • Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings • Good communication skills • Works well under pressure • Comfortable using large sets of data • Ability to handle confidential information responsibly 4. EDUCATION • Minimum Matric exemption certificate required • Preferred bachelor´s degree (or higher) in a procurement/ supply chain related field. • Preferred 5 years of experience in Supply Chain environment. Henry Schein is committed to the principle of equal opportunities in employment in all spheres of its operation. Henry Schein Dental Warehouse (PTY)/Henry Schein South Africa (PTY) LTD strives to operate a policy of equal opportunity and not discriminate against any person's gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law.