REQUIREMENTSAffirmative Action South African Citizen preferredA formal 3-year National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, Finance, Marketing, or Business Management from a recognized institutionA Post-graduate qualification would be an added advantageMinimum 5 years in the automotive industry, preferably in sales, product planning, or volume planningESSENTIAL SKILLSAbility to analyze complex data and provide logical feedbackAccuracy in data analysis and reporting under pressureAddressing discrepancies and finding effective solutionsManaging multiple tasks and meeting deadlinesStrong written and verbal skills for conveying plans and updates, with good presentation abilitiesWorking effectively with cross-functional teamsAdjusting strategies to changing market conditionsLeading and mentoring junior team members, driving process improvementsBalancing projects, reporting, and ad-hoc tasks efficientlyAligning planning strategies with business goalsUnderstanding automotive industry dynamics, market trends, and consumer behaviour for informed decision-makingADDED ADVANTAGEKnowledge and understanding of the group's systems, forecasting tools (e.g. IVA system), and MS ExcelA strong understanding of the group's passenger product range RESPONSIBILITIESEnsure the efficient and effective forecasting, planning, and allocation of production volumes to meet market demand and business goalsOversee the planning processes, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive data-driven decision-making to optimize production schedules and inventory managementSales forecasting: lead the sales forecasting process using the IVA system to ensure that wholesale and stock reporting aligns closely with a realistic outlookProduction planning: develop and maintain production plans that balance market requirements with manufacturing capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with business strategiesCollaboration and coordination: work closely with sales, product, and manufacturing departments to synchronize production plans with the sales forecast and product launches/ changesData management: oversee the collection, analysis, and interpretation of relevant data to support volume planning decisions and identify opportunities for improvementProcess improvement: continuously evaluate and enhance volume planning processes and methodologies to improve accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness to market changesWholesale and stock reporting: ensure timely and accurate reporting of wholesale and stock data to the Finance department, adhering to set dates and timesModel mix planning: develop and implement model mix planning strategies for each product to meet market demands and optimize production efficiencyReporting and communication: provide regular updates, reports and presentations to senior management, highlighting key insights, potential risks, and recommended actions to achieve volume planning objectivesSystems 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 planningProduct change management: management of run-out and run-in planning of model types and model derivatives to minimize obsolescence and costIVA system management: management of the system including liaising with IS on systems requirements, overseeing the admin functionality and liaison with other divisions within the group