About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1892, it has grown into a “total beverage company” with a portfolio of more than 200 brands. In South Africa, the Coca-Cola system operates through two primary entities: Coca-Cola South Africa (Pty) Ltd, which manages brand marketing and concentrate production, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), the primary bottling and distribution arm.

Key Purpose

To ignite forecasting excellence by combining data analytics, market intelligence, and collaborative insight to deliver fast, accurate, and actionable demand plans that reduce risk, boost responsiveness, and elevate supply chain performance.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Demand Forecasting and Analysis

• Develop rolling demand forecasts at SKU, brand, and channel level across appropriate time horizons.
• Leverage statistical tools, market intelligence, and sales input to produce a baseline forecast.
• Maintain and update the demand planning system (e.g., SAP IBP) with latest forecast data.

Forecast Review and Alignment

• Facilitate forecast review meetings with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to align on volume expectations.
• Analyse forecast variances and collaborate with stakeholders to adjust projections accordingly.
• Support the consensus forecast process as part of the monthly S&OP cycle.

Data Management and Reporting

• Analyse historical sales, promotional uplift, and consumption trends to inform future projections.
• Monitor performance indicators such as forecast accuracy, bias, and value add (FVA).Prepare demand planning reports and dashboards for use in planning forums.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with Supply Planning, Commercial, and Finance teams to ensure forecast alignment with operational and financial targets.
• Communicate forecast changes, risks, and assumptions clearly and in a timely manner.
• Assist in scenario planning and short-term adjustments in response to market or operational changes.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify drivers of forecast inaccuracy and contribute to root cause analysis and improvement initiatives.
• Recommend enhancements to forecasting models, data inputs, and planning processes.
• Stay updated on best practices, tools, and techniques in demand planning.

Education

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Statistics, Economics, or related field
• Preferred: Honours degree or postgraduate diploma in Demand Planning, Forecasting, or Analytics

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in demand forecasting, supply chain planning, or analytics within FMCG or manufacturing environment
• Experience working with cross-functional teams (Commercial, Finance, Manufacturing)Familiarity with S&OP or IBP cycles is advantageous

Skills

• Proficiency in SAP IBP, APO, or similar demand planning systems
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; Power BI or data visualisation tools advantageous
• Understanding of statistical modelling, forecasting principles, and lifecycle planning
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Ability to interpret and present complex data in a business-friendly format
• Strong communication and stakeholder collaboration skills
• Time management and ability to meet tight planning cycle deadlines