Senior Planner - Fabiani

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The Foschini Group (TFG) is recruiting a Planner III to mentor the Merchandise Planning Team and translate sales projections into strategic category actions. You will optimize assortments, manage replenishment and allocation, and partner with buyers to drive stock availability across channels.

With a minimum of 5 years in planning within retail apparel and strong commercial acumen, you will lead forecasting, budgeting, and performance reviews, influencing senior management decisions and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Business, or related quantitative field.
• 5+ years’ experience as a Planner in retail apparel with merchandising focus.
• Menswear experience is advantageous.
• Experience with premium branded apparel is preferred.
• Strong numeracy with analytical, forecasting and strategic skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive product efficiencies and key commercial measures (sales, markdowns, inventory, margin).
• Develop category plans to achieve targets.
• Manage range assortments and store-level distribution with buyers.
• Oversee replenishment and ensure stock availability.
• Attend launches, buying, and seasonal selections.
• Analyze weekly sales and propose trading strategies.
• Present performance in regular management meetings.
• Report on initiatives and operating plans to management.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across Buying, Planning, Marketing, VM, and Operations.
• Influence change initiatives to improve planning performance.
• Drive allocation and grading with the allocator.
• Manage delivery performance and stock flow.
• Execute markdown strategies.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess performance.

Skills

Merchant thinking

Analytical processes

Planning & organizing

Policy & procedures

Market research

Supplier management

Strategic eCommerce

Communication skills

Negotiation

Decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Commerce/Business

Tools

Arthur Planning

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Job Description

The Planner III is responsible for mentoring the Merchandise Planning Team, projecting future sales into key categories, and optimizing planning processes. This includes managing range assortments and replenishment, implementing distribution strategies, and providing guidance and support to team members.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Drive productefficiencies and key commercial measures including sales, markdowns, inventory, and sales margin
• Develop category strategic, tactical, and operational plans to achieve set targets
• Manage range assortments and store‑level distribution in partnership with the buyer
• Oversee replenishment of key lines to ensure optimal stock availability
• Manage OTB allowances for both in‑season and forward budgets
• Attend product launches, buying appointments, and seasonal range selections throughout the year
• Analyse weekly sales performance with the buying team and propose actionable trading strategies
• Prepare and present weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual performance in trade and senior management meetings
• Report on performance, initiatives, and operational plans to management
• Foster strong collaboration across Buying, Planning, Marketing, VM, and Operations
• Influence and implement change initiatives to support company goals and improve planning performance
• Drive allocation and grading strategy in collaboration with the allocator
• Manage delivery performance and stock flow
• Propose and execute markdown strategies
• Conduct regular store visits with cross‑functional teams to understand customer and product performance

Qualifications And Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business, or a related quantitative field
• At least 5 years’ proven experience as a Planner within retail apparel, with strong understanding of merchandising and commercial performance
• Menswear experience highly advantageous
• Experience working with premium branded apparel preferred
• Strong background in merchandise financial systems; experience with Arthur Planning or similar planning tools is advantageous
• High degree of numeracy with an analytical, detail‑oriented, and strategic approach
• Exceptional analytical and forecasting skills
• Strong numerical acumen and commercial mindset
• Solid business acumen with demonstrated negotiation and decision‑making capability
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong teamwork and collaboration ability
• Computer literacy in Excel, Power Point and Outlook

Skills

• Strong business acumen and merchant thinking
• Good organisational and interpersonal skills
• Proven decision‑making ability
• Analytical Processes
• Planning & Organising
• Policy & Procedures
• Market Research and Analysis
• Supplier Management
• Strategic eCommerce

Behaviours

• Establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Effectively works with others to achieve shared goals
• Understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers
• Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives.

Please ensure that your line manager is aware of and supports your application.

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

Our Premium menswear brand Fabiani has great equity and loved by both local and international customers since 1978. Our customers trust Fabiani to live their best life in style.