Product Planner

Ackermans; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackermans is seeking an experienced planner to deliver, implement and manage departmental business plans that support the Adults merchandise strategy in a value retail environment. You will shape forecasts, manage assortment and ensure replenishment service levels align with the Business Plan.

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of merchandise products, a data-driven mindset and the energy to thrive in a fast-paced retail setting.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in product planning within a retail/FMCG environment.
• Experience in replenishment and assortment planning.
• Previous store planning experience.
• Store management experience (1–2 years).
• Exposure to logistics and supply chain processes.
• Experience with planning systems.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel; advanced Excel is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and implement departmental business plans supporting the merchandise strategy.
• Manage departmental forecasts to achieve growth and profitability per the Business Plan.
• Prepare and deliver merchandise assortment plans aligned with the signed-off strategy.
• Ensure sufficient inflows to maintain replenishment service levels and profitability.
• Provide accurate and timely merchandise information to minimise risk and optimise opportunities.
• Execute and manage project plans to achieve objectives (if applicable).

Skills

Commercial thinking

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Planning and time management

Conflict resolution

Resilience and agility

Collaboration and influencing

Flexibility under pressure

Self-motivation

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Integrity

Deadline orientation

Assertiveness

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

B.Com./B.Sc. in Finance/Accounting/Maths/Stats/Business Science

National Diploma: Internal Auditing and Cost & Management Accounting

National Diploma in Financial Information Systems

Tools

MS Excel

Microsoft Word

Planning systems

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:

We’re looking for an experienced planner to deliver, implement and manage departmental business plans that support the merchandise strategy for our ADULTS business unit.

Our ideal candidate? An experienced planner with a strong understanding of merchandise products in a value retail business. A self-motivated individual who's passionate about data-driven performance and driving results through numbers. You'll need to bring your high energy level to keep up with the excitement of our retail environment!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Delivering and implementing departmental business plans that support the SBU’s merchandise strategy.

• Managing departmental forecasts to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan.

• Preparing and delivering merchandise assortment plans that support the signed-off departmental business strategy.

• Ensuring sufficient inflows to maintaining agreed replenishment service levels to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan.

• Providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimise risk and optimise business opportunities.

• Executing and managing project plans to achieve the agreed objectives (if applicable).

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Essential: Grade 12 certificate / Matric

Preferred:

• B. Comm./ B. Science degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Stats and Business Science OR

• National Diploma majoring in Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting OR

• National Diploma in Financial Information Systems

JOB RELATED KNOWELDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

Knowledge required:

• the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores

• seasonal & non-seasonal replenishments

• the SA retail clothing market, customers and competitors

Skills required:

• Sound commercial thinking & numerical skills

• Analytical thinking & logical problem-solving skills

• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Planning, organising & time management skills.

• Conflict resolution skills

• Resilience, agility, and the ability to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure.

• Collaboration skills, fostering a shared vision, and positively influencing decision-making in a team setting.

• Flexibility to function effectively under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in diverse circumstances.

• Self-motivation, a sense of responsibility, and pride in one's work.

• Methodical and detail-oriented approach, ensuring accuracy in tasks.

• Effective communication skills across all levels.

• Strong sense of integrity in professional conduct.

• Deadline-oriented mindset.

• Assertiveness in handling tasks and responsibilities

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• A minimum of 3-5 years previous experience in product planning within a relevant retail and/or FMCG environment is essential.

• Replenishment and assortment planning experience

• Prior store planning experience

• Previous store management experience (1 – 2 years)

• Previous exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes

• Experience working in planning systems.

• Experience working with the most recent Microsoft software, including Word and Excel, is a prerequisite. Proficiency in advanced Excel usage would be an asset.