Job Title: Location Planning Manager
Company: Boxer Superstores
Location: East London Distribution Centre, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Job Type: Permanent
Division: Supply Chain
Department: Distribution Centre
Reference Number: BOX241111-1
Closing Date: 02 December 2024
Job Summary
Boxer Superstores, a leader in the retail and FMCG industry, is currently seeking an experienced and strategic Location Planning Manager to join our team at the East London Distribution Centre. This pivotal role involves managing the stock flow from suppliers to our distribution center (DC) and subsequently to our stores, ensuring optimal stock availability across the network. By working closely with suppliers, internal departments, and the Location Planners team, the Location Planning Manager will play a crucial role in meeting stock availability standards, minimizing waste, and ensuring supply aligns with operational demands and promotions.
Key Responsibilities
As the Location Planning Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of stock availability, team management, and strategic planning for stock flow. Key areas of responsibility include:
1. Stock Management
- Availability Oversight: Maintain stock availability standards across the DC and stores by managing instances of out-of-stocks, low stocks, and overstocks to ensure a smooth flow of stock.
- Optimization of Stock Levels: Develop and implement strategies to manage discontinued, suspended, and slow-moving lines, minimizing the impact of such items on storage and maximizing space efficiency.
- Proactive Inventory Planning: Forecast stock requirements based on historical data, seasonality, and promotional periods to maintain the right balance in stock levels.
2. Issue Resolution
- Supplier and Internal Coordination: Work collaboratively with suppliers and cross-functional teams to identify and resolve issues impacting stock flow or availability.
- Root Cause Analysis: Investigate recurring issues and implement preventative measures to improve future stock management processes.
- Problem-Solving Expertise: Use your analytical skills to resolve day-to-day stock flow challenges while identifying areas for long-term improvements.
3. Stock Optimization
- Management of Product Lifecycle: Oversee discontinued, suspended, and slow-moving product lines, effectively balancing inventory to avoid overstocks and write-offs.
- Supplier and Store Coordination: Track supplier strike rates and store fulfillment rates, maintaining accurate data to support decision-making.
- Effective Waste Management: Ensure minimal waste by managing supplier returns and monitoring stock for any adjustments needed for optimal flow.
4. Supplier Coordination
- Supplier Relationship Management: Build and sustain productive relationships with suppliers, collaborating on supply chain improvements and ensuring timely stock availability.
- Uplift and Returns Management: Coordinate with suppliers to handle stock returns and uplift requests as required.
- Performance Monitoring: Track and analyze supplier performance metrics, using insights to hold suppliers accountable and optimize supply schedules.
5. Team Leadership
- Lead Location Planners: Supervise and develop the Location Planners team, setting clear expectations and ensuring they achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational goals.
- Training and Development: Identify training needs within the team, conducting regular coaching sessions to enhance skill sets and keep team members engaged and informed.
- Performance Management: Conduct regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and aligning the team with the company’s goals and strategies.
6. Promotions & Readiness
- Promotion Stock Management: Oversee the availability of promotional stock in anticipation of promotional events, coordinating with suppliers and internal teams to ensure readiness.
- Promotion Readiness: Work closely with the DC and store teams to ensure all necessary preparations are in place to support promotional activities.
7. Data Analysis & Reporting
- Insightful Reporting: Prepare and analyze reports on stock availability, stock flow trends, and performance metrics to support decision-making and drive stock management improvement.
- Forecasting and Trend Analysis: Utilize advanced data analysis to provide insights into demand patterns, potential stock issues, and optimization opportunities.
- Continuous Improvement: Use data to identify areas for continuous improvement, proposing new processes and strategies to enhance overall stock management efficiency.
Minimum Requirements
1. Educational Background
- Degree in Supply Chain Management or a related field, with postgraduate studies being an added advantage.
2. Experience
- At least 5 years of experience in supply chain management, with a focus on the FMCG or retail sector.
- Demonstrated experience with distribution center (DC) operations, BOMM systems, ERP systems, and demand planning systems is essential.
3. Technical Skills
- Proficiency in advanced Excel and Business Intelligence (BI) reporting tools is critical for data analysis and reporting.
- Strong understanding of DC operations and stock management principles within a retail environment.
4. Leadership Skills
- Proven experience in managing and developing a team.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to drive results across multiple stakeholders, including suppliers, store management, and team members.
Why Join Boxer Superstores?
Boxer Superstores is a renowned brand in the retail and FMCG industry, known for innovation, quality, and excellence. As the Location Planning Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to influence supply chain operations directly, ensuring an efficient stock flow from suppliers to our stores. This role offers the chance to develop in a high-impact, dynamic environment that values proactive problem-solving and leadership.
In addition to a competitive salary, Boxer Superstores offers growth opportunities, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to be part of a dedicated team working to set new standards in supply chain efficiency.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced supply chain professional with a strong understanding of retail and distribution center operations, we encourage you to apply. Submit your application by 02 December 2024. Should you not receive a response within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Be part of Boxer Superstores’ commitment to delivering excellence in retail supply chain management.
