Location Planner - Totalsports at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Job Description

• The Planner II is responsible for influencing and implementing the relevant brand’s merchandise strategy. They manage financial and strategic aspects of various products, including product planning, controlling open-to-buy, and reviewing figures. They also handle range assortments, replenishment, distribution strategy, and communication with stores and field teams. Additionally, they provide insights and recommendations for improving merchandise performance.

Responsibilities

• Influence and implement merchandise strategy. Manage financial and strategic aspects of products.
• Handle range assortments and replenishment. 
• Communicate with stores and field teams. 
• Develop promotional and range distribution strategies. analyse store profiles and sales trends. 
• Ensure effective product planning and control. Provide insights and recommendations for improving merchandise performance. Support overall merchandise strategy.
• Drive product efficiencies and key measures – sales, markdown, inventory, sales margin    
• Developing category strategic, tactical, and operational plans to achieve set targets
• Management of range assortment at store level in conjunction with the buyer 
• Replenishment of key lines
• Manage OTB allowance both in-season and forward budgets
• Attend all appointments relating to product launches and selection throughout the year as specified
• Analysis and review of previous week sales with the buying team and propose and drive actions for the week 
• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings
• Reporting on performance, initiatives and operational plans to management periodically (weekly,monthly, seasonally, and annually)
• Team player and be able to foster collaboration across buying, planning, marketing, VM and operations functions.
• Be influential in the implementing of change to achieve company goals/objectives
• Drive allocation and grading strategy with allocator
• Delivery management
• Markdown proposal and action

Qualifications

• Diploma, Graduate Degree, or Post Graduate Degree in relevant field
• At least 5 -8 years of proven working experience as a Planner (sports/branded goods advantageous)
• Sound understanding of the retail cycle and planning process  
• A good working knowledge of the current computer software packages including Microsoft office 

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
• 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
• 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.