Planner - TFG Foschini

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

TFG (The Foschini Group) in South Africa is seeking an experienced Merchandise Planner to develop seasonal and annual plans aligned to financial targets. You will forecast sales, margin, inventory, and profit at department and category levels, manage Open-to-Buy budgets, and adjust stock investments based on trading performance.

You will collaborate with Buyers to create balanced assortments, analyze trends, and drive markdown strategies while monitoring key metrics and ensuring stock

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Business, Retail, Supply Chain, Finance, Mathematics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' retail merchandise planning experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with retail planning systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise plans aligned to company financial targets.
• Forecast sales, margin, inventory, and profit at department and category level; manage OTB budgets and adjust stock investments.
• Partner with Buyers to create balanced and commercially effective assortments.
• Analyze sales trends, stock productivity, and customer demand to identify risks and opportunities.
• Drive markdown and clearance strategies to maximise sell-through and profitability.
• Monitor GMROI, sell-through, inventory turn, weeks of supply, and margin performance.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Logistics, Stores, and Finance to ensure stock flow and availability.
• Lead a small team consisting of a planner and allocator.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical ability

Inventory management

OTB management

Cross-functional collaboration

Agile decision-making

Education

Degree or Diploma in Business/Retail/Supply Chain/Finance/Mathematics

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Retail planning systems

Job description

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise plans aligned to company financial targets.
• Forecast sales, margin, inventory, and profit at department and category level. Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets and adjust stock investments based on trading performance.
• Partner with Buyers to create balanced and commercially effective assortments.
• Analyse sales trends, stock productivity, and customer demand to identify risks and opportunities.
• Drive markdown and clearance strategies to maximise sell-through and profitability.
• Monitor key retail metrics including GMROI, sell-through, inventory turn, weeks of supply, and margin performance.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Logistics, Stores, and Finance to ensure effective stock flow and availability.
• Lead a small team consisting of a planner and allocator

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise plans aligned to company financial targets.
• Forecast sales, margin, inventory, and profit at department and category level. Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets and adjust stock investments based on trading performance.
• Partner with Buyers to create balanced and commercially effective assortments.
• Analyse sales trends, stock productivity, and customer demand to identify risks and opportunities.
• Drive markdown and clearance strategies to maximise sell-through and profitability.
• Monitor key retail metrics including GMROI, sell-through, inventory turn, weeks of supply, and margin performance.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Logistics, Stores, and Finance to ensure effective stock flow and availability.
• Lead a small team consisting of a planner and allocator

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Business, Retail, Supply Chain, Finance, Mathematics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' retail merchandise planning experience.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with retail planning systems.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, OTB, and retail financial planning.

Skills

• Strategic and commercial thinking
• Strong analytical and numerical ability
• Inventory and OTB management expertise
• Cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills
• Agile decision-making in a fast-paced retail environment

Behaviours

• 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
• 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.

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

Foschini has been dressing fashionable South African women for 100 years, supporting and inspiring women to create a better future.

We are your ultimate destination for stylish, contemporary fashion. From smart and casual wear to denim, leisurewear, accessories, lingerie, footwear, cosmetics, jewellery, and kidswear. We offer great value and a modern shopping experience. We're seeking energetic and creative individuals to join our team and help us deliver the latest trends. Join us and be part of a brand that brings fashion to life with vibrant, on-trend styles!