Demand Planner SADC needed at Reckitt

About the role

• Are you ready to become the cornerstone of our supply chain, ensuring our customers get what they need when they need it? As a Demand Planner SADC at Reckitt, your expertise will drive our production, purchasing, and provide invaluable insights into our supply dynamics. In this strategic role, you’ll be responsible for maintaining an accurate demand forecast supporting the Supply Organisation to deliver on its objectives in both Customer Service and Inventory Management for the company to deliver sales
• You will maintain SKU level forecasts that will be used for planning production across our factories and the purchase of finished goods from third parties, as well as providing a forward view of sales revenue to the Business through the S&OP process.
• The role interfaces closely with commercial functions in order to accurately reflect promotional and marketing activity in the forecasts. The role also interfaces with Finance in providing SKU volumes used for the quarterly Business Forecast and Plan. Join us and be part of a dynamic team where your passion for excellence will shape the future of our global supply chain.

Your responsibilities

• Lead accurate demand forecasting, integrating data on sales, promotions, trends, and seasonality into actionable insights.
• Conduct monthly reconciliation of distributor Stock on Hand (SOH), In-Market Sales (IMS), and shipments to ensure data accuracy and identify variances for corrective action.
• Generate IMS forecasts through analysis of historical trends, promotional calendars, and commercial activity plans; derive shipment forecasts aligned to distributor SOH targets and demand.
• Lead IBP meetings with the commercial team and country managers to deliver an unbiased forecast, identify gaps, and communicate supply constraints or business risks.
• Challenge forecasts when needed using trend analysis, MAPE, BIAS, promotional plans, and media phasing insights.
• Communicate agreed IMEX forecasts to source points via Rapid Response and Supply Planners for stock planning.
• Plan replenishment to maintain targeted service levels and manage the local IBP process for assigned brands and categories.
• Produce, update, and publish key reports, including monthly forecast accuracy, and IBP gap (initial and final); provide SKU volumes to Finance for business forecasts and planning.
• Communicate both risks and opportunities early through the IBP process to enable alignment and proactive action planning.
• Collaborate with source points to ensure optimal production levels.
• Ensure inventory levels and controls remain within budget and aligned to forecast.
• Minimise business waste related to product relaunches and promotions.
• Challenge assumptions and influence other teams when necessary to ensure the best outcomes for our supply chain.

The experience we’re looking for

• University degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Rapid Response, SAP Turbo, and MS Office (with strong Excel skills).
• Strong customer-centric approach with a service-oriented mindset.
• Driven by a passion for customer service and an understanding of complex supply chains.
• Experience across various supply chain functions, including Demand and Supply Planning, Inventory Management, Logistics, and S&OP.
• Highly analytical with strong fact-based decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently, think logically, challenge the status quo, and drive continuous improvement for productivity gains.
• Strong teamwork capability with the ability to lead within a cross-functional environment.
• Committed to continuous improvement and excellence in business processes.
• High level of motivation and a drive for execution; able to act as a catalyst for change.
• Solid understanding of FMCG operations and business dynamics.
• Good command of English.