TRAFFIC
KwaZulu-Natal
Procurement Planner
Pedros Chicken
Job Description
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
- The Procurement Planner is responsible for maintaining targeted stock levels across all SKUs to ensure optimal service levels throughout the Pedros network while minimizing total supply chain costs
- The role requires close collaboration with Suppliers, Distribution Centres, Production, Operations, Marketing, NPD, Finance, QA, and the broader Procurement Team to proactively prevent supply interruptions and support business continuity
- Execute forward planning for peaks, LTOs, promotions, and product launches in alignment with business expectations and cross-functional inputs
- Anticipate risks and develop plans to ensure stable supply during critical trading periods
- Develop the consolidated supply plan for input into the company-wide S&OP process
- Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities, providing sound recommendations to the Procurement Team
- Consolidate and prepare KPI packs for Procurement meetings
- Develop a national supply plan across all depots by balancing supplier capability, network capacity (warehousing & transport), forecasted demand, and production constraints
- Establish and maintain planning standards (days of cover, min/max levels, warehouse constraints, transport routes) and planning tools (Forecast & Replenishment, OUTL, Min/Max)
- Identify supply/demand exceptions and develop scenario plans (e.g., pricing adjustments, stock builds, shortage recovery plans)
- Drive the SOPO process through accurate stock, inbound, and transport routing updates.
- Lead discussions with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure long term production meets projected demand
- Consolidate regional warehouse requirement plans into a national plan for decision-making.
- Provide weekly and daily planning views during peak periods
- Oversee and optimize consolidated transport movements
- Conduct periodic (and daily during shortages) reviews of demand, stock cover, and replenishment needs across all regions and depots
- Provide guidance on replenishment priorities by SKU, supplier, region, or depot
- Maintain the inventory optimization model and determine minimum stock targets per SKU/DC using key variables (forecast accuracy, factory reliability, production cycle time, lead times, service levels)
- Support a "Planning for Profit" philosophy to improve service levels, profitability, and transport cost efficiency
- Manage stakeholder expectations through clear and consistent communication
- Periodically review and recommend adjustments to stock level targets for operational planning and budgeting
- Review stock targets quarterly and recommend adjustments where performance gaps exist
- Assess and identify high risk, slow-moving, damaged, and obsolete stock at all holding points
- Drive proactive reduction of risk stock and coordinate management of aged, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory with Planning, Procurement, and Operations
- Monitor network-wide stock health and develop corrective action plans where required
- Support the introduction of innovation into the supply chain by ensuring appropriate stock cover before launch
- Assist in the phase out of discontinued items and ensure appropriate stock bleed out
- Report weekly on obsolete stock and clearance plans
- Ensure new product stock is received on schedule for go live
- Process, track, and resolve supplier claims related to shortages, damages, pricing discrepancies, or quality issues
- Verify claims through review of POs, delivery notes, invoices, and logistics documents
- Work with suppliers and internal teams to establish liability and ensure compliance with contracts and policies
- Maintain accurate records of claims and communicate outcomes to stakeholders
- Identify recurring issues and collaborate with Procurement, Logistics, and Quality teams to prevent reoccurrence
- Report claim trends to support supplier performance improvement
- Update and distribute KPI scorecards weekly/monthly
- Issue agreed national Supply Chain reports as required
- Analyse KPI variances, provide insights, and recommend corrective actions
- Prepare Procurement report packs and manage associated meeting minutes
- Take ownership of tasks, deadlines, and self development
- Ensure continuity of work during team member absences
- Monitor performance of trainees and interns and provide constructive feedback
- Coach colleagues and support their development to achieve objectives
- Ensure quality and productivity standards are consistently met
- Communicate risks related to missed tasks or deadlines and provide suitable solutions
- Demonstrate commitment to company values and support a collaborative team culture
- Actively contribute to training initiatives and personal development
- Participate in performance reviews and set clear, achievable goals
- Maintain awareness of employee relations and take corrective action when required in line with policy and legislation
- Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or related field (preferred)
- 4-5 years of solid operational experience in a planning function
- Experience working with large data sets
- Professional certification (e.g., SAPICS CPIM) advantageous
- Strong analytical, communication, and cross functional collaboration skills
About This Role
Career insights for Procurement Clerks positions
Salary Benchmark
$46,670/year
Source: O*NET (USD)
Key Skills for This Role
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Common Technologies
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