Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Trainee Demand Planner.

Job Title – Trainee Demand Planner

Description

The Trainee Demand Planner is the integration point into the sales and commercial organization. Basic forecast modeling is the responsibility of this position. This position leads the dialogue each month for their respective customers and products with key counterparts in Sales and Marketing.

Typical Job Activities

Develops demand forecasts (operational forecasts) at multiple levels of aggregation for multiple time horizons as part of a demand planning function
Reviews historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results
Coordinates cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine the forecast model to reflect updated sales and marketing assumptions
Interacts with sales, marketing, and customer finance to understand demand forecast drivers
Utilizes a collaborative and consensus approach by working with Sales, Marketing and Customer Finance to obtain and ensure that current and accurate information is used for demand forecasts
Uses and maintains the Demand Planning software as the primary forecasting system tool
Provides input to the Supply Planning organization in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products, and product phase-outs
Coordinates and communicates customer action plans with supply planning

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Related Occupations 

Production planner
Demand planning manager
Chain supply manager
Development officer
Operations planner

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption
BA Degree (Supply Chain / Logistics / Applied Mathematics / Quantitative Management)
1- 3-year experience within Demand Planning
Knowledge with Advanced Excel
Retail planning knowledge
Analytical skills 

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Business Economics and Economics 

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Ability to show emotional intelligence
Able to be an analytical thinking
Be business minded
Be able to communicate at all levels
Be able to be a conceptual thinker
Be people orientated
Show good judgement
Have good planning and organising skills
Have good time management
Have a passion for retail
Be able to be flexible and adaptable
Be able to be accountable Have strong analytical skills
Be able to be detailed focused
Have problem solving skills
Be a fast learner

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Employment Opportunities 

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

Low

International Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Possible Employers

Manufacturing firms and organisations
Armscor
Engineering firms 

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Relevant Contact Details 

The Production Management Institute of South Africa
www.pmi-sa.co.za 

Career Progress and Path 

Further studies in related fields
Experience in specific field
Work performance
General management studies 

Possible Career Paths 

Management positions in the specific field
General business management 

Employment Stability 

Moderately stable 

Reasons to consider this career

The need is determined by the consumers
The need is determined by private companies
The need is determined by new technology
I can work with people
I can progress in the business world
I can communicate and interact with people