Website Unilever
On any given day, two billion people use Unilever products to look good, feel good and get more out of life. With more than 400 brands focused on health and wellbeing, no company touches so many people’s lives in so many different ways. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to in… read moredulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names such as Blue Band, Pureit and Suave. For us, sustainability is integral to how we do business. With 7 billion people on our planet, the earth’s resources can be strained. This means sustainable growth is the only acceptable model of growth for our business. The Unilever Sustainable Living Plan sets out to decouple our growth from our environmental impact, while at the same time increasing our positive social impact. Our Plan has three big goals that by 2020 will enable us to: – Help more than a billion people to improve their health and well-being. – Halve the environmental footprint of our products. – Source 100% of our agricultural raw materials sustainably and enhance the livelihoods of people across our value chain. We believe that as a business we have a responsibility to our consumers and to the communities in which we have a presence. Around the world we invest in local economies and develop people’s skills inside and outside of Unilever. And through our business and brands, we run a range of programmes to promote hygiene, nutrition, empowerment and environmental awareness. 15 Nollsworth crescent Durban North 4019, South Africa
JOB PURPOSE
To lead the S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) forecasting process and commercial scenario planning for Southern Africa, while owning key forecasting systems, tools, and automation initiatives (e.g. Oracle Forecasting and Reporting, Advanced Analytics, Machine Learning). The role acts as the central integrator between finance, commercial, and systems teams, ensuring robust, timely, and insight-led decision making.
Key Responsibilities
S&OP & Scenario Planning Leadership
Own and coordinate the quarterly S&OP forecasting cycle, ensuring alignment across business groups and stakeholders
Develop and maintain commercial scenarios (volume, price, mix) to support leadership decision-making
Ensure delivery against strict timelines, with clear governance and tracking of inputs and outputs
Challenge assumptions to improve forecast accuracy and credibility
Systems & Forecasting Capability Ownership
Act as the business owner and go-to expert for GCUT and forecasting tools
Drive continuous improvement in forecasting systems, including automation, simplification, and data integrity
Lead the adoption of advanced analytics and machine learning solutions to enhance forecasting capability
Partner with global and technical teams to deliver system enhancements and resolve issues
Commercial Finance Business Partnering
Translate forecasts into clear commercial insights, highlighting risks and opportunities
Provide strong analytical support on performance drivers, including price, volume, and mix
Engage with finance and commercial teams to interpret results and guide decision-making
Proactively identify inconsistencies and ensure alignment between financials and operational realities
Stakeholder Management & Governance
Coordinate across Finance, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Global teams to drive alignment
Ensure strong communication and clarity throughout the S&OP process
Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, providing clear, fact-based recommendations
Profile & Capabilities
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret and challenge financial and operational data
Proven experience in S&OP, forecasting, or financial planning processes
Deep understanding of forecasting tools/systems (e.g. GCUT or similar)
High capability in analytics and data interpretation; exposure to automation or advanced analytics is advantageous
Excellent stakeholder management and coordination skills, with the ability to work across multiple teams
Strong delivery mindset with the ability to operate under tight timelines and high-pressure cycles
Skills
Financial Analysis
Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Excel
Excellent communication and influencing skills.
Stakeholder Management
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 3-5 years experience in Finance, with strong exposure to business performance and planning
At least 3 years in FP&A, S&OP, or forecasting roles, with demonstrated ownership of planning cycles
BCom Accounting (or equivalent) is required
CA(SA), CIMA, or similar professional qualification is advantageous
Data Analytics certification (or equivalent practical experience) preferred
Experience in FMCG or a similar fast-paced, high-volume industry is required
Strong exposure to forecasting systems (e.g. GCUT, SAP, Hyperion Essbase, or similar planning tools)
Experience working with or driving automation, digital transformation, or machine learning initiatives is highly beneficial
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