Senior Planner - @home

The Foschini Group; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in South Africa is seeking an experienced Merchandise Planner to maximize sales and optimize product stock levels. Candidates should have a relevant tertiary qualification and at least 5 years of experience in merchandise planning. The role involves strategic financial management, analysis of merchandise performance, and collaboration with suppliers. Successful applicants will be adept at analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven working experience as a Merchandise Planner (5 years minimum).

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the buying team to maximise sales and optimise product stock levels.
• Understanding and interpreting business trends for the target market.
• Analysis of merchandise performance and outcomes proposed.
• Financial and strategic management of products, including planning and allocations.
• Management of range assortments and replenishment stock.
• Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with suppliers.

Skills

Trader mentality

Business acumen

Analytical thinking

Excellent interpersonal skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication

Negotiation skills

Computer literacy in Word and Excel

Ability to work in a team

Education

Relevant Tertiary Qualification

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the buying team to maximise sales, analyse performance & optimise product stock levels
• Understanding and interpreting business trends in terms of the Markham target market
• Analysis of merchandise performance and relevant outcomes proposed
• Product strategy effectively communicated, presented and implemented
• Financial and strategic management of the product e.g. product planning, allocations, controlling OTB, reviewing weekly & monthly figures
• Management of range assortments
• Management of replenishment stock
• Collaborative partnerships with internal and external suppliers established and maintained

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant Tertiary Qualification
• Proven working experience as a Merchandise Planner (5 years minimum)

Skills

• Trader mentality, business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking
• A high degree of numeracy and analytical thinking
• The ability to think and operate at a strategic level
• A detailed and methodical approach to work
• To be able to make decisions and meet deadlines whilst working in a fast‑paced, pressurised environment
• Resilience and emotional maturity
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication
• To confidently influence and persuade at all levels
• Computer literacy in Word, Excel and related planning systems
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to work effectively individually as well as within a team environment

Behaviours

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships.
• Demonstrates Self‑awareness - accurately perceives and reflects on personal strengths and areas of development.
• 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.
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems.
• Nimble learning - quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment.
• 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.