Volume Planning Specialist
- Sandton, Johannesburg
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Sales Forecasting: Lead the sales forecasting process using the IVA system to ensure that wholesale and stock reporting aligns closely with a realistic outlook.
- Production Planning: Develop and maintain production plans that balance market requirements with manufacturing capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with business strategies.
- Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with sales, product, and manufacturing departments to synchronize production plans with the sales forecast and product launches/ changes.
- Data Management: Oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data to support volume planning decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and enhance volume planning processes and methodologies to improve accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness to market changes.
- Wholesale & Stock Reporting: Ensure timely and accurate reporting of wholesale and stock data to the Finance department, adhering to set dates and times.
- Model Mix Planning: Develop and implement model mix planning strategies for each product to meet market demands and optimize production efficiency.
- Reporting & Communication: Provide regular updates, reports and presentations to senior management, highlighting key insights, potential risks, and recommended actions to achieve volume planning objectives.
- Systems Reporting: Management of the operation of group systems supporting vehicle planning and ordering functionality (EPL/FPL/NADIN).
- Long Term Planning: Lead the planning process using the IVA system and ensure accurate reporting for the retail, wholesale and stock planning.
- Product change management: Management of run-out and run-in planning of model types and model derivatives to minimize obsolescence and cost.
- IVA system management: Management of the system including liaising with IS on systems requirements, overseeing the admin functionality and liaison with other companies.
- A formal 3-year National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Finance, Marketing, or Business Management from a recognized institution; a post-graduate qualification would be an added advantage
- Minimum 5 years in the automotive industry, preferably in sales, product planning, or volume planning
- Ability to analyze complex data and provide logical feedback.
- Accuracy in data analysis and reporting under pressure.
- Addressing discrepancies and finding effective solutions.
- Managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal skills for conveying plans and updates, with good presentation abilities.
- Working effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Adjusting strategies to changing market conditions.
- Leading and mentoring junior team members, driving process improvements.
- Balancing projects, reporting, and ad-hoc tasks efficiently.
- Aligning planning strategies with business goals.
- Understanding automotive industry dynamics, market trends, and consumer behavior for informed decision-making
- Knowledge and understanding of Group systems, forecasting tools (e.g., IVA system), and Excel; a strong understanding of the Passenger product range.