Senior Planner - Foschini

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

Job summary

TFG (The Foschini Group) is seeking an experienced Merchandise Planner to drive sales and profitability through strategic planning, forecasting, and stock management across departments. The role collaborates with Buying, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities.

The successful candidate will lead a small team, develop seasonal plans, manage budgets, and monitor key metrics like GMROI and stock turns to optimise

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.

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 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

Analytical thinking

Commercial acumen

Planning & organising

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Diploma in Business/related

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Retail planning systems

Job description

Job Description

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving sales, profit, and inventory performance through effective planning, forecasting, and stock management.

Working closely with Buying, Supply Chain, and Finance teams, the role ensures the right products are available at the right time, in the right quantities, while optimising working capital and profitability.

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

• Analytical Processes
• Commercial Acumen
• Contract Management
• Customer Service Delivery
• Planning & Organising
• Policy & Procedures
• Market Research and Analysis
• Supplier Management
• Requirements Analysis
• Global Sourcing
• Strategic eCommerce

Behaviours

• Being Resilient - rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
• Building Effective Teams - forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective
• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success
• Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions
• Drives Engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation
• Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Organisational Savvy - understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people
• Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts the 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

Please ensure your line managert is aware of the application and supports it.

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!