Senior Logistics Planner

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Senior Logistics Planner to join a leading supply chain and logistics operation in KwaZulu-Natal. This full-time position is ideal for a logistics professional with strong expertise in demand planning, inventory management, transport optimization, and supply chain forecasting.

The successful candidate will play a key role in balancing customer demand with equipment availability, ensuring efficient logistics operations while supporting customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and cost optimization across a large regional network.

Job Overview

Position: Senior Logistics Planner
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Logistics & Supply Chain

Position Purpose

The Senior Logistics Planner is responsible for end-to-end demand planning, inventory optimization, equipment allocation, and logistics coordination across a multi-location service network.

This role serves as a critical link between Logistics, Operations, and Commercial teams, ensuring that customer demand is accurately forecasted and fulfilled while maintaining cost-effective supply chain operations.

The position focuses on improving forecast accuracy, inventory availability, transport efficiency, and customer service performance through data-driven decision-making and continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning and Forecasting

• Manage customer demand forecasting processes using advanced planning tools.

• Collaborate with Sales teams to validate customer forecasts and market trends.

• Analyze historical demand data and seasonal patterns to improve forecast accuracy.

• Monitor demand fluctuations and recommend forecasting improvements.

• Maintain accurate customer and product master data.

• Support continuous enhancement of forecasting models and planning systems.

Supply and Equipment Flow Planning

• Develop short- and medium-term equipment supply plans.

• Ensure equipment availability at the right location and time to meet customer demand.

• Analyze logistics networks and equipment flow patterns to improve efficiency.

• Identify opportunities to reduce transportation costs and relocation requirements.

• Optimize inventory movement across service centers and customer locations.

Production and Capacity Planning

• Create production and equipment conditioning plans based on forecast demand.

• Monitor service center performance and production targets.

• Work closely with operational teams to address capacity constraints.

• Develop contingency plans to maintain service levels during supply disruptions.

Inventory Management and Control

• Maintain optimal inventory levels across service centers.

• Monitor storage capacity and inventory utilization.

• Develop stock transfer plans based on demand forecasts and operational requirements.

• Assess service center capabilities, including:

  • Storage capacity

  • Material handling equipment

  • Loading facilities

  • Operating hours

  • Production capabilities

• Support effective deployment of new product inventory.

Order Planning and Fulfillment

• Ensure customer orders are accurately planned and fulfilled.

• Optimize inventory allocation to support on-time and in-full deliveries.

• Coordinate transportation plans to maximize vehicle utilization.

• Minimize failed deliveries and collections.

• Collaborate with operations and sales teams to improve customer service performance.

• Support the achievement of customer experience targets and fulfillment KPIs.

Logistics Optimization and Cost Management

• Identify opportunities to improve logistics efficiency and reduce operational costs.

• Analyze network performance and transportation spend.

• Conduct logistics network optimization studies.

• Monitor relocation costs and recommend pricing adjustments where necessary.

• Ensure transport costs are appropriately recovered and managed.

• Support budget planning and financial forecasting activities.

Reporting and Performance Analysis

• Prepare logistics performance reports and operational insights.

• Analyze inventory, transport, and service performance metrics.

• Compile monthly logistics cost analysis against budget forecasts.

• Contribute to customer experience scorecards and performance reviews.

• Generate actionable recommendations using data analytics and business intelligence tools.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Commercial, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.

• Participate in strategic logistics initiatives and continuous improvement projects.

• Support business transformation and optimization programs.

• Represent logistics planning functions in cross-functional projects where required.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Diploma in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field

• Honours Degree (advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in logistics, transport, inventory planning, or supply chain management

• Experience in commercial or industrial environments

• Proven expertise in inventory control and logistics planning

• Strong background in forecasting and demand planning processes

Required Skills and Knowledge

Supply Chain and Logistics Expertise

• Demand planning and forecasting

• Inventory management and optimization

• Order fulfillment and distribution planning

• Logistics network optimization

• Transport planning and cost control

• Supply chain performance analysis

Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft Power BI

• SAP

• Business Warehouse (BW)

• Blue Yonder Supply Chain Planning

• Demand forecasting systems

• Inventory management software

• Data analytics and reporting tools

Professional Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong planning and organizational abilities

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments

• Strong stakeholder management skills

• Cross-functional collaboration capabilities

• Process improvement and optimization expertise

• High attention to detail and accuracy

Why Apply for This Senior Logistics Planner Role?

This role offers an excellent opportunity for supply chain professionals seeking to influence strategic logistics decisions within a complex and dynamic operational environment.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to advanced planning systems, large-scale inventory management, logistics optimization projects, and cross-functional business initiatives while contributing directly to operational performance and customer satisfaction.