SC Johnson, a renowned family-owned business with a legacy spanning over 130 years, is inviting applications for its Global Graduate – Demand Planning internship based in Midrand, Johannesburg. This entry-level position offers young professionals an excellent gateway into the dynamic world of supply chain management, with a particular focus on demand planning.
The Role: Global Graduate – Demand Planning Internship
This internship is designed for recent graduates or those with up to one year of experience in demand planning who want to build a solid foundation in supply chain and forecasting. The role is hands-on and revolves around critical supply chain functions, including demand forecasting, data analysis, and collaboration across multiple departments.
Demand planning is a vital part of supply chain management, focusing on accurately predicting customer demand to optimize inventory levels, reduce costs, and improve service. This role supports the full demand planning cycle—from collecting and analysing data, generating forecasts, to tracking performance metrics.
Key Responsibilities
The Global Graduate in Demand Planning will play an essential role in driving forecast accuracy. Accurate forecasts help the company maintain the right balance of stock, ensuring that products are available when customers need them without overstocking or stockouts, which can be costly.
Some of the key tasks include:
- Improving forecast accuracy: Using data and market insights to fine-tune demand predictions.
- Trend analysis: Identifying patterns from sales and market data to inform strategic decisions.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Working closely with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to ensure demand plans align with the broader business goals.
- Process improvement: Participating in initiatives to enhance existing planning processes and tools, ensuring the supply chain remains efficient and responsive.
Desired Experience and Skills
While this is an entry-level position, SC Johnson is looking for candidates who bring a combination of technical knowledge and soft skills, including:
- Technical proficiency: Solid skills in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and formulas, are essential. Experience with data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau is considered an advantage.
- Familiarity with ERP and demand planning software: Exposure to systems such as SAP, Oracle, APO, O9, Kinaxis, or Anaplan would be beneficial.
- Understanding of forecasting and data analysis: Basic knowledge of statistical forecasting methods will help the graduate hit the ground running.
- Academic background: A bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Analytics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is required.
Essential Personal Attributes
SC Johnson values graduates who are analytical thinkers, able to handle large data sets, and who have a keen eye for detail. The ability to work independently and in a team environment is crucial, as the role involves collaboration across several departments.
Additional qualities sought include:
- Strong organizational skills: Managing multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
- Excellent communication: The ability to clearly convey information in English, both written and verbal. Additional languages may be advantageous depending on the markets served.
- Adaptability: A willingness to learn new systems and processes and flexibility to work across different time zones if necessary.
What SC Johnson Offers
Joining SC Johnson means becoming part of a global, values-driven company committed to its people and the environment. The company offers a competitive salary package and a positive working environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.
Moreover, SC Johnson prides itself on its inclusive culture, embracing diversity across all dimensions, including culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and ability. This supportive environment enables employees to grow professionally and personally.
Location and Eligibility
This position is based in Midrand, Johannesburg, and candidates must be eligible to work in South Africa as no relocation assistance is provided.
Apply Now!
For recent graduates looking to kickstart a career in supply chain and demand planning, this role offers unparalleled exposure to industry-leading tools and practices within a globally respected company. It provides a unique chance to contribute meaningfully to how products move from factory to consumer, influencing the overall customer experience.
Through hands-on experience, collaborative projects, and ongoing learning opportunities, the successful candidate will build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in demand planning and supply chain management.