Product Planner

JOB PURPOSE:

We’re looking for an experienced planner to deliver, implement and manage departmental business plans that support the merchandise strategy for our ADULTS business unit.

Our ideal candidate? An experienced planner with a strong understanding of merchandise products in a value retail business. A self-motivated individual who's passionate about data-driven performance and driving results through numbers. You'll need to bring your high energy level to keep up with the excitement of our retail environment!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delivering and implementing departmental business plans that support the SBU’s merchandise strategy.

• Managing departmental forecasts to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan.

• Preparing and delivering merchandise assortment plans that support the signed-off departmental business strategy.

• Ensuring sufficient inflows to maintaining agreed replenishment service levels to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan.

• Providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimise risk and optimise business opportunities.

• Executing and managing project plans to achieve the agreed objectives (if applicable).

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Essential: Grade 12 certificate / Matric

Preferred:

• B. Comm./ B. Science degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Stats and Business Science OR

• National Diploma majoring in Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting OR

• National Diploma in Financial Information Systems

JOB RELATED KNOWELDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

Knowledge required:

• the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores

• seasonal & non-seasonal replenishments

• the SA retail clothing market, customers and competitors

Skills required:

• Sound commercial thinking & numerical skills

• Analytical thinking & logical problem-solving skills

• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Planning, organising & time management skills.

• Conflict resolution skills

• Resilience, agility, and the ability to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure.

• Collaboration skills, fostering a shared vision, and positively influencing decision-making in a team setting.

• Flexibility to function effectively under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in diverse circumstances.

• Self-motivation, a sense of responsibility, and pride in one's work.

• Methodical and detail-oriented approach, ensuring accuracy in tasks.

• Effective communication skills across all levels.

• Strong sense of integrity in professional conduct.

• Deadline-oriented mindset.

• Assertiveness in handling tasks and responsibilities

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• A minimum of 3-5 years previous experience in product planning within a relevant retail and/or FMCG environment is essential.

• Replenishment and assortment planning experience

• Prior store planning experience

• Previous store management experience (1 – 2 years)

• Previous exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes

• Experience working in planning systems.

• Experience working with the most recent Microsoft software, including Word and Excel, is a prerequisite. Proficiency in advanced Excel usage would be an asset.