Job Description

Purpose
We are seeking a IT Planning System Analyst to support and optimize our retail planning systems. This role will focus on ensuring the effectiveness of planning applications, improving business processes, and collaborating with stakeholders across the business. The ideal candidate will bring a solutions-oriented mindset, adaptability, and strong technical and analytical skills to help drive efficiency in merchandise and assortment planning.
About Cape Union Mart
Cape Union Mart is a leading South African retailer specializing in outdoor adventure gear, apparel, and equipment. With a proud heritage dating back to 1933, we are committed to delivering quality products and exceptional customer service. Our portfolio includes beloved brands such as Old Khaki, Poetry, and K-Way. As an innovative retailer, we leverage cloud technologies and AI-driven solutions to enhance our planning processes and improve decision-making.
Key Responsibilities

• System Support & Optimization: Maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance retail planning systems to ensure they meet business needs.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with Merchandise Planning, Buying, and IT teams to understand requirements and provide effective solutions.
• Assortment Planning Support: Provide technical support for assortment planning tools, ensuring accurate data flow and optimal system performance.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline planning processes through system enhancements or technology solutions.
• Data Management: Ensure data accuracy and integrity within planning systems, enabling effective business decisions.
• Training & Documentation: Develop user guides and deliver training sessions to improve system knowledge and adoption.
• Integration & Testing: Assist in testing new features, system upgrades, and integrations with other retail systems.
• Vendor Engagement & Support: Log and manage service requests with Oracle Support and other technology partners, collaborating with them to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Project Involvement: Participate in IT and business projects related to system upgrades, enhancements, or new implementations.
• Change Management & Adoption: Assist with change management efforts by supporting end-users during rollouts, gathering feedback, and ensuring smooth transitions.
• AI-Driven Solutions: Support the use of AI-enabled retail planning tools to improve forecasting, assortment planning, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Systems, or a related field.
• 3-5 years' experience in IT systems analysis, ideally within retail or planning systems.
• Exposure to merchandise and assortment planning tools (e.g., JustEnough, Oracle MFP/AP, Blue Yonder, SAP Planning, or similar) is advantageous.
• Understanding of retail planning processes such as forecasting, allocation, replenishment, and assortment planning.
• Strong PL/SQL skills, including writing and optimizing stored procedures, functions, packages.
• Familiarity with ERP and financial system integrations is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently or in a team.
• Positive attitude, adaptable, and open to change in a dynamic retail environment.
• Willingness to learn new systems and technologies.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic IT team in a growing and evolving retail business.
• Opportunity to work with innovative retail planning solutions.
• Exposure to cutting-edge, AI-enabled technologies.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Please note: The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Preference will be given to candidates who will enhance the diversity of the team, aligned to our Employment Equity plan.

Skills Required