Lorato Manyatshe

Commercially driven supply chain, procurement, and category management professional with extensive experience in retail and FMCG environments, combining demand planning, strategic sourcing, category strategy, and product lifecycle management to drive sales, margin, cost optimisation, and operational efficiency. Experienced in integrating supply chain functions across organisational boundaries to meet customer needs through data-driven decision-making and seamless execution. Skilled in supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, vendor management, procurement support, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver value, improve supplier performance, and support business objectives.

Proficient in ERP systems and the Microsoft Office Suite, with a proven ability to translate insights into actionable category plans, optimise assortments, manage inventory, and identify commercial opportunities. Recognised for innovative problem-solving, strong stakeholder engagement, and a collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to continuous improvement, customer-focused outcomes, and delivering measurable commercial results.

Lead Supply and Demand Planning Analyst/Consultant at Remlo Cosmetics (2020-01 – Present)

• Spearheaded demand forecasting and inventory management strategies, improving stock availability while minimising excess stock and expiry risk within cosmetic categories.
• Delivered margin growth through category optimisation and strategic range reviews, using SKU-level performance analysis and historical sales data.
• Analysed and adjusted forecasts based on seasonality trends (e.g., increased sunscreen demand in summer), promotional plans, and market dynamics.
• Led weekly demand planning cycles by reviewing prior week sales versus forecast, finalising demand plans, and sharing insights with key stakeholders.
• Monitored and tracked stock levels across warehouses, retail stores, and distribution centres to proactively identify risks such as stock-outs and overstocking.
• Collaborated closely with supply planners to rebalance inventory and ensure optimal stock distribution across the network.
• Engaged cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, and key account managers) to incorporate upcoming promotions and retailer campaigns into forecast adjustments.
• Developed and presented data-driven insights through reports, dashboards, and visual tools (graphs and charts) to support strategic decision-making.
• Analysed complex business problems, translating data into actionable recommendations that improved operational and commercial outcomes.
• Built and maintained strong stakeholder relationships, ensuring alignment between supply chain activities and overall business objectives.
• Contributed to increased profitability through successful negotiation of improved supplier terms.
• Ensured strict compliance with industry regulatory frameworks and quality standards, including the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972), ISO 22716 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and SANS 29621.
• Responded proactively to demand fluctuations, supplier delays, product recalls, and quality issues by re-planning demand and communicating changes effectively.
• Maintained high data integrity through accurate master data management, including correct SKU setup, lead times, and product hierarchies within systems.

Lead Procurement and Demand Planning Consultant at MTL Base (2018-01 – 2019-12)

• Coordinated and managed the budgeting process in alignment with Integrated Business Planning (IBP), partnering with sales, marketing, finance, and supply chain to ensure accurate financial and demand alignment.
• Prepared and delivered weekly and monthly inputs into the S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) process, including reports on forecast accuracy, service levels, and fill rate.
• Analysed variances and identified root causes of forecast errors, presenting clear insights, risks, opportunities, and key changes versus previous forecasts to support decision-making and align demand with supply capabilities.
• Forecasted demand for new cosmetic product launches using assumptions and analogous product trends in the absence of historical data; collaborated closely with marketing on launch volumes and continuously monitored actual sales versus forecast post-launch.
• Guided procurement and production planning by analysing sales performance, market trends, and promotional activities to ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
• Collaborated cross-functionally to synchronise procurement and production schedules, improving supply chain responsiveness and operational efficiency.
• Managed supplier relationships and stakeholder engagement to support consistent supply, resolve challenges, and maintain smooth supply chain operations.
• Played a key role in resolving production and supply delays caused by barcode errors, ensuring minimal disruption to product availability.
• Ensured strict compliance with regulatory and quality standards, including the Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and accurate, non-misleading product labelling.
• Maintained high data integrity by updating product hierarchies and ensuring clean, accurate master data within systems such as SAP to support reliable forecasting and planning.

Planning and Buying Functions at Edcon (Jet Ladies Shoes & Toddler Girls) (2014-01 – 2016-12)

• Review previous week sales for international and local stores vs forecast
• Accountable for monitoring forecast accuracy by region and sku to ensure the target of 80% is met and if not, it is improved through in-depth discussion with the buying and planning team.
• Executed demand planning and buying functions, managing the flow of units to numerous local and international stores.
• Coordinated order management and liaised with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery.
• Applied a detail-oriented approach to inventory and assortment planning.

New Product Launch Coordinator (temp) / Supply Chain Intern at Aspen Pharmacare (2013-01 – 2014-12)

DRP (Demand/Distribution Requirement Planning). Solving and balancing system Customer and Stock Errors. New Launch Demand Coordinator. Value Chain Analyst

• Executed the deployment of stock on BAAN system from factory warehouse to DC based on sales forecast.
• Facilitated monthly forecast review meeting with sales & marketing.
• Assessed monthly forecast accuracy report and challenged on demand drivers.

Vacational - Bookkeeping at Kagiso Dental Clinic (2004-01 – 2012-12)

• Preparing monthly statements sorting statements according to medical aid schemes and entering financial transactions

• Retail Buying Course (Passed Distinction)-University of South Africa-(Unisa) 2013
• BCom Supply Chain Management-University of Pretoria-2012
• B.Admin Public Management-University of Pretoria-2008