Senior Planner - Markham

TFG (The Foschini Group); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 760,000; Full time

Job summary

The Foschini Group (TFG) is seeking a Planner III to mentor the Merchandise Planning Team and drive performance across key categories. You will project future sales, manage range assortments, replenishment, and inventory strategies while partnering with Buying, Sourcing, and Supply Chain to deliver category objectives.

Responsibilities include developing forecasts, analysing stock and trading performance, and guiding the team with data-led insights to optimise profitability and stock turns.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: National Diploma or Degree in Business Management, BCom or related field with majors in Finance, Statistics, Economics or Mathematics.
• At least 5 years of proven Merchandise Planning experience in a retail environment.
• Strong numerical, analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen, trader mentality and inventory management capability.
• Experience in Apparel/General Merchandise retail is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Mentor the Merchandise Planning Team, providing guidance and support.
• Drive planning performance across categories through data-led analysis.
• Manage and optimise a high-value category portfolio achieving sales and inventory objectives.
• Develop category financial plans across sales, stock, margin, and markdown.
• Forecast future sales and support category performance objectives.
• Analyse sales, stock and trading performance to identify trends and actions.
• Drive inventory management strategies to optimise stock productivity.
• Collaborate with Buying, Sourcing, Supply Chain and Operations to deliver objectives.

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

Education

National Diploma or Degree in Business Management, BCom or related field with majors in Finance, Statistics, Economics or Mathematics

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

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

• Mentor the Merchandise Planning Team, providing guidance, coaching and support to team members.
• Drive planning performance across the categories through commercial decision‑making, trading insight and data‑led analysis.
• Manage and optimise a high‑value category portfolio, ensuring sales, profitability and inventory objectives are achieved.
• Influence and implement the merchandise strategy, developing and managing category financial plans across sales, stock, margin, GP, closing stock and markdown.
• Project future sales and develop accurate forecasts to support category performance and business objectives.
• Demonstrate a strong trading mindset by identifying opportunities and risks and implementing actions to maximise category performance.
• Analyse sales, stock and trading performance to identify trends, opportunities and risks, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Drive inventory management strategies to optimise stock productivity, availability and working capital investment.
• Manage OTB allowances across in‑season and forward planning cycles.
• Develop category strategic, tactical and operational plans to achieve sales, profit, inventory and stock turn targets.
• Manage range assortments and replenishment strategies to ensure the right product is available in the right place at the right time.
• Implement distribution and allocation strategies to maximise product availability and sales performance.
• Optimise planning processes and drive continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Review weekly trading performance with the Buying team and recommend actions to improve category results.
• Partner closely with Buying, Sourcing, Supply Chain and Operations teams to deliver category objectives.
• Prepare and present category performance, forecasts and recommendations in trade and planning meetings.
• Foster collaboration across key stakeholders to ensure effective execution of category plans and business objectives.
• Conduct regular store visits to evaluate trading performance, identify opportunities and enhance commercial decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Minimum completed National Diploma or Degree in Business Management, BCom or a related field, with majors in Finance, Statistics, Economics or Mathematics.
• Minimum of 5 years' proven Merchandise Planning experience within a retail environment.
• Must possess strong numerical, analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Must demonstrate strong commercial acumen, a trader mentality and proven inventory management capability.
• Experience planning within an Apparel, Fashion or General Merchandise retail environment would be advantageous.

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 their 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

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

Join the Markham Movement! Dive into a world where style meets passion. At Markham, we offer the latest in smart and casual wear, from trendy footwear to must‑have accessories and captivating fragrances. Our stores are vibrant hubs of youthful energy, dedicated to helping you discover the perfect look that speaks to your unique style. Be part of a brand that lives and breathes fashion - where every day is an opportunity to express yourself. Step into Markham and make your mark!