Distribution Requirements Planner at Diageo

• The Distribution Requirements Planner (DRP) plays a critical role in ensuring optimal product availability across our African markets, while balancing inventory, service, and cost. You will be accountable for translating demand signals into clear, executable replenishment plans, working collaboratively with commercial, logistics, finance, and supply teams within a complex and dynamic operating environment. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Distribution & Replenishment Planning 
• Own end-to-end distribution requirements planning for assigned African markets (scope may rotate over time). 
• Develop and maintain robust replenishment plans in line with demand forecasts, inventory targets, and service level agreements. 
• Complete purchase orders, stock transfer orders, and replenishment activities in line with agreed planning cycles and governance. 
• Proactively monitor and manage supply exceptions, constraints, and risks. 
• Service, Inventory & Cost Optimisation 
• Deliver agreed Case Fill Rate (CFR), NBO service, and inventory targets. 
• Balance service excellence with inventory efficiency, including duty and cash considerations. 
• Support SLOB prevention through proactive planning, ageing visibility, and close collaboration with commercial teams. 
• Identify and raise service or inventory risks early, with clear mitigation proposals. 
• Data, Systems & Process Excellence 
• Operate planning activities within APO / OMP and relevant planning systems, demonstrating strong data discipline. 
• Maintain strong master data accuracy, including network mapping, product flows, lead times, and planning parameters. 
• Adhere to global planning standards, controls, and compliance requirements. 
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of DRP processes, documentation, and backup structures. 
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration 
• Partner closely with Demand Planning, Commercial, Logistics, Finance, Customer Service, and Supply teams. 
• Provide clear and structured inputs into Supply Reviews, IBP forums, and escalation discussions. 
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments with professionalism, clarity, and resilience. 

About You 

• You’re a collaborative and analytical planner who enjoys working in fast-moving, complex environments and takes pride in turning data and demand signals into practical, well-balanced supply solutions. 
• Experience in Distribution Planning, Supply Planning, or Inventory Planning, with ability to work in complex, multi-market or emerging market environments 
• A strong understanding of service, inventory, and replenishment trade-offs 
• Experience working with planning systems such as SAP APO, OMP, or equivalent 
• Strong analytical capability with a problem-solving attitude 
• Experience within FMCG, Spirits, or other regulated environments is highly advantageous 
• Exposure to African or emerging market supply chains would be a plus 
• Experience supporting system implementations or transformation programmes is desirable 
• Understanding of duty, excise, and inventory accounting concepts is beneficial 
• Ability to analyse large datasets, model scenarios, and make clear, fact-based recommendations