The Supply Chain Planner is responsible for proactively managing all parameters to ensure that the procurement of materials is aligned with Lotus South Africa's demand and supply plans. The role is responsible for ensuring material availability while considering supplier lead times, inventory levels, working capital optimisation, and the accurate verification and approval of supplier invoices relating to purchased materials and services.

Supply Chain Planning and Inventory Management

• Manage and maintain all parameters to support procurement activities and material availability.
• Prepare and analyse material forecasts.
• Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand and operational readiness requirements.
• Analyse SAP-generated order proposals and take appropriate action.
• Execute inventory buffer strategies to optimise stock levels and working capital while ensuring customer service requirements are met.
• Establish optimal inventory levels and pallet space requirements for optimal warehouse capacity and utilisation.
• Identify and recommend inventory and warehousing improvements to accommodate changes in demand.
• Generate inventory reports and provide recommendations to the Supply Chain Manager.
• Provide consolidated planning information to the Production Planner to support production scheduling and forecasting.

Supplier Management

• Collaborate with suppliers to:
  • Prioritise and deliver materials in line with production requirements.
  • Ensure on-time delivery of materials to support production plans.
  • Maintain purchase order accuracy.
  • Resolve purchase order, delivery, and product quality issues.
  • Proactively communicate material availability concerns and supply risks.

Supplier Invoice Verification and Processing

• Perform first-line review and approval of all supplier invoices related to purchased materials and services.
• Verify invoice accuracy against approved purchase orders, goods received quantities and agreed supplier pricing.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies 
• Liaise with suppliers, Quality, Procurement, Warehouse, and Finance teams to ensure timely resolution of invoice queries and disputes.
• Ensure all supplier claims, credit notes, and debit notes arising from quality rejections or supply discrepancies are processed and resolved accurately.
• Ensure supplier invoices are approved within agreed timelines to support on-time supplier payments and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Quality, Compliance and Safety

• Support the achievement of Zero Customer Complaints through effective quality management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant Lotus South Africa Manufacturing standards

Education

• Degree in Supply Chain Management or equivalent qualification.

Experience

• 2-3 years' experience in a Supply Chain Planning role.
• SAP experience advantageous
• Microsoft Excel skills 
• Detailed knowledge of logistics, inventory management, and supply chain planning principles.
• Strong understanding of Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes.
• Analytical and mathematical skills.
• Experience with forecasting and statistical analysis.

Personal Competencies

• High professional and ethical standards.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all organisational levels.
• Bilingual proficiency.
• Commitment to meeting deadlines and achieving business objectives.