The Planner II is responsible for influencing and implementing the relevant brand’s merchandise strategy. They manage financial and strategic aspects of various products, including product planning, controlling open-to-buy, and reviewing figures. They also handle range assortments, replenishment, distribution strategy, and communication with stores and field teams. Additionally, they provide insights and recommendations for improving merchandise performance.

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

• Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external partners, including suppliers

Qualifications and Experience:

• Matric

• Relevant 3-year tertiary qualification

• 3 - 5 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:

• Customer Centric Thinking

• Planning & Organising

• Supplier Management

• High Numeracy and Analytical Skills

• Trader Mentality

• Advance Excel Skills

• Strong Communication

Behaviours:

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships

• Demonstrates Self-awareness - accurately perceives and reflects on personal strengths and areas of development

• 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

• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems

• Nimble learning - quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment

• 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

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