Job Description

The Senior Planner is responsible for mentoring the Merchandise Planning Team, projecting future sales into key categories, and optimizing planning processes. This includes managing range assortments and replenishment, implementing distribution strategies, and providing guidance and support to team members.

Key Responsibilities:

Work collaboratively with the buying team to maximise sales, optimise inventory levels and grow profit Analysis of merchandise performance with relevant outcomes proposed Effectively communicate, present and implement the product strategy Effectively communicate, present and implement the promotional strategy aligned to marketing campaigns Financial and strategic management of the product e.g. product planning, allocations, controlling OTB, reviewing weekly & monthly figures Provide weekly and monthly trade feedback with associated action plans Managing monthly, seasonal and financial year forecasts for product categories Managing range size and assortments Managing replenishment stock and Quick Response process Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external partners, including suppliers

Qualifications and Experience:

Relevant 3-year tertiary qualification A minimum of 7 years proven working experience as a Merchandise Planner A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed and strategic approach to work Computer literacy in word, excel (advanced) and planning systems Strong business acumen and merchant thinking

Skills:

A high degree of numeracy and analytical thinking The ability to think and operate at a strategic level A detailed and methodical approach to work To be able to make decisions and meet deadlines whilst working in a fast-paced, pressurized environment Resilience and emotional maturity Excellent interpersonal skills Exceptional verbal and written communication To confidently influence and persuade at all levels Computer literacy in Word, Excel and related planning systems Excellent negotiation skills Ability to work effectively individually as well as within a team environment

Behaviours:

Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships Drives Results - sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets Financial Acumen - understands and applies financial concepts and principles to make informed financial decisions Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation

Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.