Monday, 10 February 2014

Manager Job at The South African Post Office in Pretoria

JOB TITLE:  MANAGER (LEVEL 5/6): DEMAND PLANNING (MRP) AND MATERIAL MASTER (SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT) ( CORPORATE: SILVERTON X 01 POSITION)
Reports to: Senior Manager:
Demand Management

Summation
The South African Post Office seeks a Demand Planning and Material Master Manager to own, facilitate, and lead the stock forecasting and demand management process for the company in order to drive visibility of demand to the Business and in particular to the supply chain; improve product
prioritization and associated business decisions; and improve customer service

Key Responsibilities:

•Strategic Planning
•Define the degree of forward planning (3-6 months, 2 years etc.) and execute accordingly.
•Strategy Operationalisation
•Work in conjunction with other Senior Managers in the Supply Chain team to co-create the national strategy, based on a 1-year's view of requirements.
•Ensure the agreed strategic targets are implemented through team targets and that these targets align cross functionally within area of responsibility.
•Demand Forecasting and Management
•Ensure that the forecasts presented have appropriate documented assumptions and that the base forecast has been challenged in advance of it being presented to the customer team.
•Daily Service Level Management
•Business Intelligence
•Master Data and Business Process Conformance
•Demand Chain Productivity and KPA Reporting
•Compile KPI reports and update the performance matrix.
•SLA Reporting
•Project Management
•Drive continuous improvement in both forecast accuracy and customer service excellence by making
recommendations for change using facts and trends learnt through appropriate analysis of data.
•Work closely with the sales/customer team to complete promotional effectiveness analysis and provide input into pricing decisions where appropriate.
•Innovation
•Work with Customer teams to develop the forecast for new products and to manage the discontinuation of products
out of the business.
•Portfolio Management
•Complete the data analysis to provide input into discussions on portfolio management.
Sales and Operations Planning
•Drive the demand planning part of the Sales and Operations Planning process with the extended sales/customer team, identifying key opportunities and risks (both in price and volume).

Minimum Requirement, Qualifications and Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and

Attributes
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of a three year relevant Degree in Supply Chain or Logistics Management (NQF 6)
  • Minimum 5 years experience in SCM environment (within manufacturing context [TQM; JIT, etc] OR relevant SCM field of operations)
  • Minimum 3 years proven best practices implementation Wide knowledge of MySAP (MM module)
  • Inventory management principles

KNOWLEDGE
Policy development & implementation, Cost benefit analysis, SCM Processes
and Legislative regulations

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to design / draw up procurement requirements forecasting
Good communication skills (verbal & report writing)
Analytical skills,
Strong interpersonal skills
Effective team management skills

ATTRIBUTES
Integrity, Attention to detail and Assertiveness Contacts

The South African Post Office is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially with regard to race, gender and disability.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline Date: 24.02.2014
How to Apply:

Send your applications to:
The Recruitment Officer

Attention:
Ntombi Khanye
PO Box 2042, Corporate Post Office
ECO PARK, 0074

Email:
Ntombi.Khanye@postoffice.co.za
Position number: 60012421

Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only.

If you do not hear from the South African Post Office or its Agent within 3 months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The South African Post Office Limited reserves the right not to fill this position or to re-advertise the positions at any time

Data Scientist Job at TNS in Cape Town



TNS advises clients on specific growth strategies around new market entry, innovation, brand switching and stakeholder management, based on long-established expertise and market-leading solutions. With a presence in over 80 countries, TNS has more conversations with the world's consumers than anyone else and understands individual human behaviours and attitudes across every cultural, economic and political region of the world.

The Global Brand Equity Centre (GBEC) is a centre of excellence for brand and communications research across TNS. As thought leaders in brand and communications research, the GBEC think-tank is responsible for the innovation, development and commercialization of TNS’ brand and communications offer. Part of the company’s role is to build expertise throughout TNS, and providing training and support globally. As the custodians of brand and communications business solutions, the GBEC is heavily involved in the commercialization of the product offer and regularly assists in pitching for well-known global brands. They are actively involved in thought leadership and research-into-research, and are champions of best-practice research.

Working at the GBEC, you will be uniquely positioned to get involved in many diverse workstreams, to have input into big global projects for some of the worlds’ most famous brands, to work with people across different countries and sectors, and to be on the cutting edge of new research developments.

Purpose of the role:
   

This person will be involved in a large variety of advanced data initiatives. These would include applications in big data usage, social media scraping and modelling, time series analysis, text mining, data integration and machine learning. In essence, this person will help us to broaden our horizons from basic data usage to a much more advanced and open approach to data.

Role deliverables:
   

    Data Manipulation and preparation
    Statistical analysis and management of data: Statistical analysis of project data for enhanced understanding of the data

Scope of the role:
   

    Interpretation of briefs and liaison with R&D/execs/DP
    Application of the relevant statistical routines to data using the appropriate software
    Interpretation and analysis of results
    Manipulation of data into the format required for further work
    Usage of software packages and syntax as required to perform this task
    Attends and participates in all internal R&D sessions
    Works collaboratively with R&D to complete initiatives
    Continues to read relevant journals and publications
    Produces material for publication in journals and/or presentation at conferences/seminars
    Keeps abreast of developments within the industry and academic institutions
    Proactively adds to skills set
    Recommends new techniques/software for use within the company
    Evaluates potential new software
    Aids in the fielding of support queries from international partners and colleagues



Knowledge and skills required:
   

Qualification

     Minimum: Bachelors degree (BSc most likely) with Mathematics (and Statistics advantageous)

Technical skills:

    Data analysis, including:
        Familiarity with defining data models
        Familiarity with manipulating databases (SQL and NoSQL e.g. MongoDB, Cassandra, etc.)
        Familiarity with R, Python or similar open source software
        Familiarity with practicalities of processing large datasets e.g. processing in memory vs. locally, processing in clusters (e.g. Hadoop), processing on the cloud, etc.
        Programming skills, including:
            Interacting with third party APIs e.g. Twitter, Facebook
            Implementation of Java applications and libraries
            Creation of database-driven web applications
            Understanding of infrastructure, including:
                Setup and maintenance of databases
                Setup and maintenance of web servers
                Setup and maintenance of web apps
                Familiarity with scaling data storage and processing e.g. via cloud services like Amazon Web Services
                Data visualization skills would be an advantage

 Conceptual skills:

    Constant curiosity and a thirst for knowledge
    Ability to conceptualise data models
    Ability and confidence to ‘hack’ (learn/ work out) new languages and methodologies
    Ability to convert data and meta-data into usable metrics and measurements
    Strategic, lateral and critical thinking
    Ability to add value to research results
    Ability to identify potential problems early on

 Interpersonal Skills

    Communication skills (oral and written)
    Teamwork skills
    Professional and responsible behaviour at all times when representing the company
    Upholding company values
    Motivational/self-motivated
    Proactive
    A quick learner with initiative

Deadline Date: 20.02.2014
How to Apply:

Note:
Job title: Data Scientist
Job level: Experienced (non-manager)
Job type: Client Service/Business Development
Location: South Africa, Cape Town

Apply via email:
Abigail Louw
Abigail.Louw@tnsglobal.com

Head of Qualitative Research Job at TNS in Johannesburg


    TNS advises clients on specific growth strategies around new market entry, innovation, brand switching and stakeholder management, based on long-established expertise and market-leading solutions. With a presence in over 80 countries, TNS has more conversations with the world's consumers than anyone else and understands individual human behaviours and attitudes across every cultural, economic and political region of the world.

 Purpose of the role:

To lead and manage the Qualitative Research Function for South Africa on a strategic and overall level.

Responsible for achieving profitability and Qualitative revenue targets across an array of clients through a highly skilled and motivated team that delivers meaningful, value add insights for clients that is profitable and sustainable.

The incumbent is also responsible for managing the Qualitative operational team that is responsible for resources, infrastructure and systems relating to Qualitative research projects and all aspects of the Qualitative research process.

Role deliverables:

Strategic:

    Elevate profile of Practice Area within business so that it is understood and valued internally and externally
    Interprets company strategy, policy and objectives for Qualitative Research Department
    Determines structures, objectives, allocates management responsibilities and defines, allocates and manages overall budgets for Qualitative Research Department
    Ensure all deliverables are of the highest quality and conform to Signature guidelines
    Drives Qualitative Research Department to deliver in accordance with overall company strategy
    Embed Precision Growth, Insights and TNS Signature in all work
    Keep up to date with research industry at large and specifically TNS products and expertise
    Enhance the reputation of TNS locally and internationally
    Key interface with the regional and global qualitative team and driving global qualitative strategy in SA
    Develops and ensures execution of innovative processes and / or strategies to accomplish business objectives and goals within own area – Financial targets, strategic objectives and team [strategy, budget, forecasts, measures, etc]

Thought leadership

    Promote Information sharing across country and thought leadership via TNS newsletters and other value add initiatives
    Application of extensive research skills and knowledge to problems and issues generated by clients leading to the best possible solution
    Engage with Global Practice Area team and ensure roll out of global offer and best practice
    Sit on Qualitative Global Steering Committee

Leadership and management of people:

    Be a TNS leader and role model
    Maintain motivation in team through clear communication
    Hire, develop and retain high quality people
    Support the development of client strategies and communication to the team
    Ensure all direct reports have objectives and development plans that support company strategy
    Ensure company objectives and strategy have been cascaded with the Qualitative Research Department
    Provide sales support to client teams
    Identify growth potential and provide training or assists in assessing training needs in teams.
    Develop expertise through training and coaching, and attract top talent to the business
    Marketing and communication management
    Create next generation of leaders; carry out succession planning and develop talent within TNS

Financial management:

    Responsible for the growth and profitability of Qualitative Research business for TNS South Africa
    Active contribution to developing a profitable business model for Qualitative Research in the context of a large global corporation

Client management and development:

    Prepare Precision Growth oriented winning proposals and provide insight and thought leadership for team member’s proposals
    Present proposals in a confident and competent manner where relevant
    Identification and development of new clients and continued growth of existing clients through ongoing research excellence and relevant expertise.
    Continued demonstration of the highest level of research excellence and client issue focus through strategic insights
    Build a global network of contacts to build TNS perception as thought leader and drive opportunities for new business
    Play a major role in client liaison – manage the client relationship with honesty, openness and integrity

Analysis and Presentations

    Continued demonstration of the highest level of research excellence and client issue focus through strategic insights and assistance to internal teams in generating their insights
    Ensuring client deliverables meet client expectations and needs
    Prepare and present Precision Growth client deliverables that deliver growth insights and demonstrate extensive client and market knowledge and expertise

Operations

    Take overall responsibility for Qualitative Operations Department
    Develop internal client relationships and manage expectations
    Communicate effectively to all role-players internally and externally
    Ensure resources are assigned appropriately
    Ensure deadlines and quality standards are met
    Proactively resolve operational issues
    Provide accurate management information/stats as required
    Stay abreast of latest developments and best practice in industry
    Setup, maintain and improve on qualitative systems and procedures
    Monitor quality and productivity of external suppliers and ensure ongoing improvements

Scope of the role:

    Number of people reporting into this role: approx. 12 (direct reports: approx  3 or 4)
    Client target: Responsible South Africa Qualitative revenue targets
    Client contact: Extensive contact with senior-level client service teams and external clients
    WPP / Regional responsibilities: None

Knowledge and skills required:

The knowledge and skills needed for success:

    Relevant tertiary education (B.Com / B.Bus Sci Marketing / relevant degree pref)
    15+ yrs experience in market research
    7+ years experience at Consultant and/or Director level
    Management experience
    Strong clients skills - capable of developing Trusted Advisor relationships and can run effective strategic workshops with clients
    Knowledge of research processes and methodologies (quantitative and qualitative)
    Ability to consult on research methodologies and products widely both to clients and senior internal staff
    Analysis and interpretation
    Marketing processes
    Strong sales and commercial orientation
    Oversee P&L for Practice Area
    Selling/negotiation/influencing skills
    Project Management
    Effective People Management and performance management ability
    Team management skills- training, coaching, mentoring + recruiting talent
    High level interaction and presentation skills with clients (ability to dominate when needed)
    Interpersonal, analytical thinking, communication (verbal & written) and problem solving skills
    Computer application (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
    Enhanced financial awareness and commercial know how

Behavioral dimensions:

    Communication skills
    Team management
    Ability to multi-task
    Ability to handle stress/work under pressure
    Initiative
    Business etiquette
    Deadline orientated
    Willingness to accept responsibility and accountability for work
    Strategic thinking ability to add value to research results
    Thorough understanding of client needs

Deadline Date: 20.02.2014
How to Apply:

Note:


Job title: Head of Qualitative Research
Job level: Executive/Director/VP
Job type: Research / Qualitative
Location: South Africa, Johannesburg

To Apply,  Please send CV via email:
Alison Eastwood
Alison.eastwood@tnsglobal.com