Job Description

About the position

My client a Retailer in CapeTown has an exciting new vacancy for a Planning Manager- Essentials.

PLANNING MANAGER: ESSENTIALS

Key responsibilities:

• Delivering the consolidated SBU seasonal merchandise plans, location plans, assortment plans and monthly forecasts to the relevant stakeholders.
• Consistently ensuring that the execution of consolidated seasonal merchandise plans, location plans and assortment plans meet the specified KPIs.
• Providing accurate and on-time business information, aligning actions and managing deviations in order to achieve agreed merchandise objectives.
• Cost-effectively managing expenses within the approved budget.
• Developing and influencing cross-functional partnerships with all key stakeholders.
• Managing the SBU structure and placements (people) within the team to maximize productivity and achieve SBU objectives.
• Developing and empowering the SBU planning team by implementing sound people management practices, employee relations and a climate and culture of high performance.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

People skills:

• The ability to influence across various levels and functions within the business
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company
• Excellent interpersonal, people management, team management & leadership skills through coaching and mentorship
• Conflict management skills
• The ability to be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure
• Cross-functional collaboration (essential between Planning, Buying & Supply Chain functions)
• The ability to create a shared vision and to positively influence others
• The ability to give input into company-wide initiatives and translate these into actions required of Planning
• Networking skills & the ability to be resourceful
• The ability to prioritise
• The ability to be assertive
• The ability to work independently, as well as be a team player
• People management practices, policies & procedures
• People Development (succession planning)
• The ability to create a shared vision and to positively influence others

Merchant skills:

• Merchant skills & a sound commercial mentality
• Superior numerical skills
• Sound analytical & problem-solving skills
• Good judgment together with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• An understanding of the various market value propositions, and the accompanying shopper
• Sound strategic thinking skills, as well as the ability to formulate functional objectives related to business strategy
• Exceptional planning, organising & time management skills
• Formulating strategies in a changing global/local context
• Must be adaptable
• Must be outcomes focussed and solution driven

Technical skills

• Latest Microsoft applications including advanced Excel competency
• High-level presentation skills
• Understanding of retail business systems and related processes - IT
• Knowledge of specific company buying strategies
• A comprehensive knowledge/understanding of SA's retail clothing market, customers, and competitors

Experience:

• 5 - 7 years of merchandise planning experience of which at least 2 years are at a management level within a clothing/footwear retail environment
• Previous Planning managerial experience to understand the inner workings and product strategies and philosophies of a business.
• Experience working in cross functional initiatives
• Previous experience in leading a team
• Experience in implementing strategic interventions in a rapidly changing global and local context

QUALIFICATIONS

• National Diploma in Financial Information Systems OR
• Comm./ B.Science degree OR
• Retail Diploma

Send CV by the 31st of January 2023.

Desired Skills:

• Superior numerical skills
• Sound strategic thinking skills

Desired Work Experience:

• 5 to 10 years

Desired Qualification Level:

• Grade 12 / Matric