Central Planner - Cape Town at Cape Union Mart

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Central Planning Specialist to join our team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the implementation and adoption of planning systems while fostering collaboration across departments. They will work closely with the CEO and CFO and have a wide exposure in the business. This role requires a detail-oriented individual with excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

System Implementation:

• Lead the implementation of central planning systems to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with IT teams, external vendors and internal Merchandise teams to ensure successful integration and customization of planning tools.
• Conduct thorough testing and validation of system functionalities to meet business requirements.
• Provide training and support to end-users to facilitate system adoption and utilization.

Process Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvement within the central planning function.
• Develop and implement best practices to optimize inventory management, forecasting, and allocation processes.
• Analyze system data to identify trends and patterns, and make recommendations for process enhancements.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Merchandising, Supply Chain, and Finance to align planning strategies with business objectives.
• Facilitate regular meetings and workshops to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Act as a liaison between central planning and other departments to ensure alignment on inventory plans and targets.
• Co-ordinate and manage the allocation of stock to Outlet sites.

Performance Monitoring:

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to central planning activities such as inventory turnover, forecast accuracy, and service levels.
• Analyze performance metrics to identify areas of improvement and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations to communicate insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Perform ad-hoc investigations which will identify areas of improvement and/or unlock business benefits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Mathematics, or a related field
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in central planning, inventory management, or related roles within the retail industry.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing planning systems and driving process improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence decision-making.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with ERP systems, demand planning software, and advanced Excel skills. (Oracle experience would be a benefit)
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Understanding of retail metrics, financial concepts, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive business results and improve profitability.
• Ability to align planning and allocation strategies with broader business goals and objectives.