Product Planner (open advert / no specific portfolio)

Ackermans; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading value retail company is seeking experienced planners to deliver and implement departmental business plans supporting the merchandise strategy. Candidates with a strong understanding of retail merchandise products, and a passion for data-driven performance are preferred. Responsibilities include managing forecasts and preparing merchandise plans. Essential qualifications include a Grade 12 certificate and relevant planning experience.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of product planning experience in retail/FMCG is essential.
• Experience in replenishment and assortment planning is necessary.
• Previous store planning and management experience are required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and implement departmental business plans.
• Manage departmental forecasts for growth and profitability.
• Prepare and deliver merchandise assortment plans.

Skills

Commercial thinking

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Planning and organizing

Time management

Conflict resolution

Resilience

Communication skills

Education

Grade 12 certificate / Matric

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

National Diploma in Internal Auditing

National Diploma in Financial Information Systems

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

We’re looking for experienced planners to deliver, implement and managedepartmental business plans that support the merchandise strategy.

Our ideal candidate? An experienced planner with a strong understanding of merchandise productsin a value retailbusiness.A self-motivated individual who's passionate about data-drivenperformance 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 2-3 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.