Central Planning Manager - Manufacturing

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in retail is seeking a Planning Manager to oversee seasonal manufacturing processes and guide capacity projections. This dynamic role requires strong analytical and planning skills, as well as proficiency in data management systems. Join a committed team focused on continuous improvement and customer-centric solutions within a renowned retail brand.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years proven experience in a manufacturing and planning environment.
• Strong qualifications including Matric and related degree/diploma are required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee seasonal factory listings and capacity projections.
• Ensure alignment between seasonal demand and available capacity.
• Lead planning processes and provide mentorship to teams.

Skills

Numeracy

Analytical skills

Planning skills

Computer literacy

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Relevant degree or diploma

Matric

Tools

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Key Responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of the seasonal factory listing and profiling.
• Approve and guide the development of three-year capacity projections.
• Validate and communicate seasonal calendars to merchandising and planning teams.
• Review and present high-level seasonal strategy documents to leadership.
• Ensure alignment between seasonal demand and available capacity using FastReact and Centric PLM systems.
• Monitor and escalate material variances between seasonal, commitment, and roll-up plans.
• Ensure timely updates to seasonal manufacturing period dates.
• Oversee the integrity of FastReact master data and planning logic.
• Lead the monthly review of GAP/Overruns reports and corrective action planning.
• Negotiate and agree on strategic CMT allocations with Planning and Key Account Managers.
• Ensure CMT capabilities align with forecasted demand and product complexity.
• Support CMT development initiatives to meet future business needs.
• Oversee the calculation and seasonal update of standard minute rates.
• Ensure manufacturing cost models are accurate and reflect operational realities.
• Manage the Planning Cost Centre and contribute to profitability targets.
• Champion continuous improvement in planning systems (FastReact, Centric, Sync).
• Lead initiatives to streamline taskline sequencing and milestone tracking.
• Ensure planning processes are documented, followed, and enhanced where needed.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to planners and controllers.
• Facilitate pre-season engagements between factories and design teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with factory owners and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare Annual reports and analytics on manufacturing capacity
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Matric and relevant qualification (degree/diploma)
• Proven working experience in a Manufacturing and Planning environment (3-5years)
  
  

Skills

• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed and strategic approach to work
• Strong planning & administration skills and the ability to problem solve
• Computer literacy in word and excel (Moderate to Advanced), Powerbi
• Good organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• The ability to work under pressure
  
  

Behaviours

• Communicates Effectively - conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner
• Drives Engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation
• 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
• Interpersonal Savvy - openly engages and interacts with others, builds rapport, and establishes positive relationships
• Manages conflict - effectively navigates and resolves conflict and disagreements in a constructive and productive manner
• Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives
• Values differences - recognises, respects, and appreciates the diverse values, beliefs, and perspectives of others
  
  

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

About Us

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace, it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We’re a purpose-led business, and on this team, you’ll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry.

We’re the designers, the makers, the shakers and the teams behind the scenes.

Are you with us?

About The Team

Designers play a key role in delivering creative solutions for our brands. They look for new and exciting ways to apply visual trends in fashion products, store design, marketing, learning and communication. Their minds are curious, and they are constantly seeking new ways to connect our customers to our brands.