The OpportunityThis position works out of our Johannesburg offices, South Africa in the Abbott Molecular Division (AMD). In AMD, we focus on molecular diagnostics and the analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins at the molecular level and are committed to advancing molecular testing solutions that guide life’s most profound decisions.As the Demand Planner, you will be responsible for the short and mid-term demand planning and driving the operational excellence in demand.What You’ll DoDemand Planning:Own the demand forecast process, consolidate the country demand forecasts in sales and units, and develop a realistic demand plan for Africa.Anticipate when to act and provide supporting detail to reach consensus on the demand forecast.Identify and articulate issues and decisions that need to be addressed in the IBP meeting.Challenge forecast assumptions, ensure the demand forecast is integrated into and synchronized with the financial plans.Continuously monitor variables affecting demand, collect and report rationale for variances and deviations to target.Takes accountability and ownership of the Sync Chart process for Africa.Liaising with Delkenheim and Des Plaines for Direct Shipment Forecasting Accuracy: Drive accountability for demand forecast accuracy in the region through KPI reporting and feedback to process participants.IBP Process: Align with Managing Director and Commercial Excellence on the Integrated business planning (IBP) process with senior management and cross-functional teams across Africa through monthly Demand Review meetings.Overseeing processes in delivery of the month/quarter: Analyze the demand for the month/quarter and work closely with Supply Chain team, Head of Commercial Excellence, and Managing Director to ensure sales commitments can be met.Creates and manages area or country product/shipment allocations during times of short supply.New product launches support: Support the development of new product launches and retirements plans.Communication: Support management team in demand planning and forecasting accuracy improvements, develop and maintain communication links between finance, marketing, sales, and commercial excellence to ensure proper execution of the forecast.KPI management: Develop, maintain, and constantly improve processes and performance measures for Africa.Funder Demand: Attend all funder calls and provide input on all demand-related questions.Weekly reporting on Demand for region Africa: Ensure no stock out in any country.Develops and implements programs to help the field be more efficient and allow sales team to spend more time in front of customers.Africa Growth Charts/KPI tracking reports: On a monthly basis.Work through the Sync chart: On a monthly basis to ensure the supply can cater to other Africa needs.Manage the stock assignment: With SNR Commercial Analyst, EMEA, and Head of Commercial to get the needed stock requirement in route to South Africa.Ensure Stock recons: Understand customer expectations on KPI's, provide visibility to their scorecards internally, and deliver on customers' KPI expectations with respect to demand.Collaborates with key stakeholders: And those who influence service performance; including Commercial teams, Supply Planning, freight, and warehousing service providers to address ways to improve customer satisfaction.Back Order management: And ongoing feedback to the sales team.Required QualificationsUniversity Degree in Supply Chain and/or logistics, or equivalent business experience.Preferred experience: 4 years experience in a Snr Demand planning role.Excellent MS Office skills, especially Excel and Power Point.Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to communicate across all organizational levels, confident presenting to senior management.Enjoy working independently in an agile business environment.Office based.Accountability and Ownership of Demand Process.Long-term, strategic focus on global account relationship in terms of demand planning.Travel up to 30%.Fluent in English.#J-18808-Ljbffr