Neo Matsapola

RESUME Hepworth Neo Matsapola H SLC PROFILE SUMMARY CONTACT- Email Address: 865 Jacques Street, Taemane Golf View Estate, Moreletapark, 0181 SKILLS SKILLS Highly experienced Demand Planning Manager with over 25 years of expertise in demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) across multinational organizations in FMCG, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Proven track record in leveraging SAP, advanced Excel, and forecasting tools to drive accurate demand plans, reduce operational costs, and enhance inventory efficiency. Strong leadership in managing cross-functional teams and stakeholders across multiple African markets, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, DRC, and Angola. Adept at implementing forecasting systems, optimizing master data, and aligning demand plans with financial budgets. Recognized for improving forecast accuracy, managing product lifecycles, and fostering collaborative decision-making through structured S&OP processes. CORE COMPETENCIES ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Demand Forecasting Sales & Operations Planning Inventory Optimization Supply Chain Management Statistical Forecasting ERP Systems Advanced Excel Data Analysis Business Intelligence Tools Budget Forecasting Master Data Management Production Planning Lean Manufacturing Risk Management Cost Reduction Strategies Process Optimization Stakeholder Management Cross-Functional Collaboration Team Leadership Strategic Planning Problem Solving Presentation Skills Project Management Continuous Improvement ▪ ▪ Expertise in developing 12–24-month demand forecasts, leveraging statistical models and market trends to optimize inventory and reduce costs. Proven ability to facilitate Sales & Operations Planning processes, aligning sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain stakeholders. Advanced proficiency in SAP (MM, PP, SD), Syspro, and Excel, with experience in implementing forecasting tools. Skilled in bridging gaps between departments to ensure consensus on demand plans and business strategies. Experience in budget preparation, cost control, and financial forecasting to support business objectives. Track record of mentoring demand planners, improving team performance, and fostering continuous improvement. Strong negotiation skills with suppliers and experience in maintaining high customer service levels. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Demand & Supply Planner Bearings International ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Develop and maintain 24-month rolling demand forecasts to align inventory with business objectives. Lead monthly S&OP meetings with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to achieve consensus forecasts. Analyze historical sales data and market trends to improve forecast accuracy by 15%. Monitor inventory levels and recommend adjustments to optimize stock while minimizing carrying costs. Collaborate with logistics teams to ensure timely product availability and reduce backorders. Generate monthly performance reports on forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and service levels. Group Demand Planning Manager Brands Consumer Group (FMCG) ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Nov 2019 – Oct 2020 Managed demand planning for five African markets (Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia). Implemented a new forecasting tool that improved order accuracy by 20% and reduced excess stock. Led cross-functional S&OP processes to align demand plans with production and financial targets. Developed and mentored a team of demand planners, improving departmental efficiency. Created standardized reporting dashboards to track KPIs and support data-driven decisions. Senior Demand Planner Schneider Electric South Africa ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Sep 2020 – Present Jan 2014 – Oct 2019 Built 12-month rolling demand forecasts by business unit and product family using SAP. Chaired monthly leadership meetings to review and approve final demand plans. Managed product lifecycle planning, including new product introductions and phase-outs. Developed and presented forecast accuracy reports to senior management and stakeholders. Demand Collaboration Manager Colgate Palmolive ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Feb 2013 – Jan 2014 Oversaw demand planning for seven African markets (Angola, DRC, Mozambique, etc.). Aligned demand forecasts with sales and marketing initiatives to improve plan accuracy. Resolved supply-demand discrepancies by analyzing shipment and sales data. Worked with IT to enhance master data integrity in demand planning systems. Customer Service & Logistics Manager Colgate Palmolive ▪ ▪ ▪ Sep 2011 – Jan 2013 Managed demand planning processes, ensuring SKU and customer hierarchy alignment. Reduced order fulfillment delays by improving communication between planning and logistics. Led initiatives to streamline forecasting locations and improve data accuracy. Demand Planner Schneider Electric South Africa ▪ ▪ ▪ Dec 2007 – Oct 2011 Developed and maintained demand forecasts in Syspro, analyzing historical data and market trends to optimize accuracy. Generated monthly demand reports and presented findings to senior management, supporting strategic decision-making. Processed and tracked purchase orders, ensuring timely procurement of materials to meet production schedules. Master Production Scheduler / Production Planner Robert Bosch SA ▪ ▪ ▪ Jul 2006 – Nov 2007 Developed and executed daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules using SAP MM module to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization Implemented obsolescence prevention strategies that decreased write-offs by 25% through proactive inventory analysis Coordinated with procurement and warehouse teams to ensure material availability aligned with production requirements Customer Planner / Demand Planner Robert Bosch SA ▪ ▪ ▪ Jan 2003 – Jun 2006 Developed data-driven production plans by analyzing customer call-offs and demand patterns using SAP, improving order fulfillment by 20% Implemented a real-time inventory tracking system that improved stock visibility and reduced planning errors by 30% Collaborated with sales teams to translate customer forecasts into actionable production schedules Material Planner Robert Bosch SA ▪ ▪ ▪ Oct 2000 – Dec 2002 Managed end-to-end procurement for 30+ global suppliers across Europe and America, optimizing material flow for 15 production lines Balanced air and sea freight logistics, maintaining 95% on-time delivery while staying 15% under annual air freight budget Prevented production line stoppages through real-time monitoring and rapid escalation of critical material shortages Sales Administrator Robert Bosch SA ▪ ▪ ▪ Nov 1996 – Oct 2000 Spearheaded export operations for key markets (USA, Germany, Australia, UK, India), ensuring 100% compliance with international trade regulations Cultivated and managed a portfolio of small automotive clients (including Sasol Oil and University of Stellenbosch), driving R2M annual revenue Optimized order fulfillment by bridging communication between production teams and customers, reducing lead times by 20% EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS NQF 7: Wits Business School NMP | Completed 2017 Matric (D.A. Mokoma High School) | 1992 ▪ Subjects: English, Afrikaans, Setswana, Biology, Physical Science (all HG) ▪ ▪ ▪ Mr. Peter Tselentis (CEO, BCG Supply Chain) | - Mr. Clyde Preston (Supply Chain Manager, Schneider Electric) |- Mr. Oliver Naidoo (the Supply Chain Executive at Conlog PTY Ltd) | - REFERENCES REFERENCES Available upon request.