Our client in the Retail Industry requires the services of a Merchandise Planner to develop and execute a product strategy to ensure increased sales, improved margins and maximum profit gain.

Key performance areas:

? Perform pre-budgeting merchandise performance analyses for the area of responsibility, by analysing the current performance against budgeted values including sales, stock levels, margin, and stock return.
? Investigate over and under performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
? Set the merchandise budget for the financial year and obtain authorisation for the proposed budgeted values.
? Work alongside the Buyers in the creation of balanced assortment plans by analysing the selected items and quantity per item ordered to ensure sufficient quantities per branch.
? Review and manage branch clustering on an on-going basis, by performing turnover and demographic analyses to ensure correct clustering.
? Review and maintain the branch item ranging on an on-going basis to ensure the availability of balanced ranges at store level.
? Manage the execution of the approved budget for the financial year for the area of responsibility.
? Perform on-going analyses throughout the financial year to identify out of line situations and propose corrective action.
? Manage item life cycle and collaborate with Buyers for the discontinuation of 'end of range' items.
? Manage, maintain and ensure accurate customer demand forecasts through incorporating current and accurate market information.
? Analyse post promotional and event data to determine opportunities and improve future forecasts.
? Assist and support with internal projects and tasks as business demands and needs requires.
? Perform on-going engagement with the stakeholder’s team to ensure that the current approved Merchandise Strategy is executed throughout the supply chain.


The successful candidate must have:

? Matric with a relevant degree / diploma in Business, Economics, Supply Chain or a related field
? Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a planner role
? Proven knowledge and experience in managing a sizeable planning portfolio within a large retail organisation
? Proven SAP Retail / Buying / Arthur / Enterprise Planning experience
? Proven knowledge and application of forecasting, statistical modelling, sales projections, replenishment and merchandise planning principles and methodologies
? Strong knowledge and understanding of buying, supply chain and retail operations processes
? Knowledge of economics trends and its impact on consumer spending
? Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 with an advanced level of Excel skills
? Valid driver’s license

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.