Merchandise Planner - Retail - Montague gardens, Cape town

My client. a leading Retailer based in Montague gardens requires a competent and experienced Merchandise Planner to join their team.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To drive financial sales, gross margin, and inventory plans. To identify risks and opportunities to maximise margin,develop reporting & analytics to support and/or challenge strategies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

- Tertiary qualification/degree in a relevant field.

- Minimum of 3 years Merchandise Planning experience.

- Experience in Planning for Furniture & Appliances would be advantageous.

- Proven track record in planning, inventory management and forecasting.

- Proven track record in spend management (OTB, margin management, mark-down controls).

- Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and Planning systems.

- Proficient in analytical tools (Excel, SQL and/or statistical software).

- Fluent in English and Afrikaans.

- Driver’s licence.

SA Citizens only

Must be Criminal clear

Must reside in the Greater Cape Town area

SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES & COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

- Sound numerical, analytical thinking & logical problem-solving skills.

- Strong drive to improve processes.

- Confidence & ease of communication with both internal and external stakeholders.

- Good articulation with excellent written & verbal communication skills.

- Proven decision-making ability.

- Digitally orientated.

- Resilient and tenacious in a pressurised, fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

- Strong merchant, trader, and commercial mentality.

- Vital planning, organising, administrating, and coordinating skills.

- Ability to work independently and use initiative.

- Deadline and outcomes focused.

KEY RESULT AREAS

1. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

- Drive & achieve sales targets.

- Achieve GP% targets.

- Achieve stock efficiency - stock sell-through targets & forward cover (weeks of supply) targets.

- Maintain optimum stock levels, particularly on promotional lines and top sellers

- Manage lemons (obsolete & slow-moving stock).

2. FINANCIAL PLANNING & FORECASTING

Range planning:

- Ensure range is balanced across assortment factors, price, tier, etc.

- Drive the range plan in terms of breadth & depth.

- Quickly react to good/bad sellers and rebalance range accordingly.

- Planning management to support procurement cycles, including but not limited to promotion planning, reaction, &

continual replenishment.

Revenue forecasting:

- Develop & drive category revenue forecast.

- Challenge Marketing Business Plan & ensure that it supports category revenue forecast.

- Partner with Marketing to ensure activities support revenue forecast.

Open to Buy Management:

- Develop a buy plan that adequately supports the sales plan.

- Timely communication & sign-off of OTB.

- Manage OTB level in response to trade.

Supply Chain:

- Partner with Merchandise, Operations & Logistics to drive supply chain efficiencies & cost savings.

Stock Management:

- Drive stock turn & stock health through the appropriate use of promotions and clearance.

3. TRADER MENTALITY

Price Promotions:

- Understand and drive appropriate use of price promotions (introductory price, WOW deals, one-time-only,

clearance etc.)

Channels:

- Partner with channel owners to understand why products sell and then apply the feedback to the future range.

- Ensure each channel has sufficient product knowledge to support the selling process.

Market Awareness:

- Keep abreast of competitor activities (both product & promotional opportunities).

4. ANALYTICS & REPORTING

Periodic Reporting:

- Produce accurate, concise & timely periodic reports.

Ad hoc Analysis:

- Produce quality analysis & research that supports discussions, recommendations, and direction on strategic and

tactical issues.

Data Integrity:

- Drive the accurate capturing of system data. - Ensure system data supports analysis, reporting, and process efficiency.

5. COMMERCIAL ANALYTICS

Merchandise Analytics

- Conduct research across product categories & communicate findings & recommendations to support the

development of business strategy. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying merchandise-relevant trends to

distinguish threats & opportunities, analysis of FH customers and their buying behaviour etc.

6. PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS

- Opportunities: Identify, develop, and deploy process & system enhancements that create efficiencies.

- Strategic Projects: Provide support for strategic projects as directed.

- Change Management: Support the deployment and adoption of change initiatives to ensure success.

7. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

- Oversee the Merchandise team, delegate duties, and manage performance.

- Hold effective meetings and set clear targets and levels of work required.

- Actively guide, coach and mentor the team.

- Allocate, plan, and monitor staff leave.

- Handle and/or resolve any employee disciplinary and/or grievance issues.

- Assess staff training needs & staff capacity.