an international food and beverage and fresh produce company specializing in the global citrus trade is seeking an analytical, data-driven Demand Planner to serve as the critical bridge between production, supply, demand, and commercial operations.Responsibilities:
Analyze production forecasts and track daily actuals (volumes, varieties, size/count splits, and grade distributions).
Identify and report variances between forecasted and actual production.
Analyze commercial customer demand, specs, and requirements by variety, grade, and count.
Identify stock risks, shortages, and excesses.
Recommend reallocation or alternative customer targets for excess or slow-moving stock.
Advise the commercial team on available-to-sell inventory, stock excesses, and potential substitutions.
Recommend optimal product allocations based on commercial strategy to maximize return and prioritize key accounts.
Prevent overselling, underutilization, or misallocation of fruit.
Own and maintain company pack plans; translate customer demand into actionable packing schedules.
Prepare demand analyses and present weekly pack plans to commercial and production teams.
Track pack plan execution, identify deviations early, and analyze budget vs. actual production variances.
Maintain direct, daily communication with packhouse managers and production teams regarding packing schedules, grade/count splits, quality metrics, and unexpected delays.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Industrial Engineering preferred).
Experience Level: Early-career professional (approx. mid-20s to early-30s).
Excel: Expert/advanced MS Excel capabilities for daily data modeling and analysis.
Problem-Solving: Highly analytical, quick learner, and adaptable under pressure.
Languages: Business-fluent English (written and spoken) and functional Afrikaans comprehension (listening/reading; spoken Afrikaans not required).
Transport: Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable personal transport.
Software Development / Coding: Ability to code or build systems to help implement and automate Twente's custom planning and forecasting tools.
Desired Skills:
Demand Planner
Demand Planner
Demand Planner