S&OP Finance Analyst

Unilever is currently hiring for an S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) Financial Analyst
Function: Finance
Reports to: FET Lead - Senior Finance Manager
Scope: Southern Africa
Location: La Lucia Ridge, Durban
Terms & Conditions: Full time

ABOUT UNILEVER
With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

Leadership
You are energized by delivering fantastic results. You are an example to others – both your results and your resilience. You are constantly on the lookout for better ways to do things, engaging and collaborating with others along the way. As an individual you are the one responsible for your own wellbeing and delivering high standards of work. You must also focus on the Consumer and what they need. You are humble and have your head up, looking around to interpret evidence and data smartly, spot issues and opportunities to make things better.

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.  We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflects the demographics of our country and which will help build representation of currently under-represented groups. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.

We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a foreign national, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.