Merchandise Planner - George at Pepkor Speciality

Qualifications

• A Grade 12 certificate or equivalent is an essential requirement with a relevant Degree or Tertiary qualification.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in product planning is essential preferably brand related and preferably with experience in branded products.
• Proficiency in the latest Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint & Outlook) and Google Suite are an important requirement.
• Strong knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, planning, logistics and stores.
• Proficient in Enterprise Resource Planning systems including Replenishment.
• A strong logical thinking and analytical ability with excellent numerical skills and the ability to be accurate and pay attention to detail.
• Has a high energy level and is performance-driven and deadline-orientated.
• Excellent planning, organizing and time management skills.
• Ability to remain flexible, function under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in a variety of circumstances.
• Ability to multi-task and deal with complexities, use initiative to solve problems.
• Ability to work independently, as well as be a team player.
• Sound communication and negotiation skills and must be honest and ethical in everything they do.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and implementing merchandise business plans in support of the company strategy.
• Re-forecast seasonal sales based on previous performance to maximize profitability.
• Providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimize risk and optimise business opportunity.
• Preparing and delivering merchandise assortment plans.
• Range building in line with the departmental business plan.
• Post Seasonal Strategy – Analyse past seasons Performance to determine Proposed strategy.
• Managing Budgets – Ensure that all budgets are met as agreed in respect of sales, inflow margin, permanent and temporary price adjustments. Stock levels, stock turn and GMROII in accordance with seasonal strategy.
• Pre- Season Planning – Plan sales, markdowns, inflows and stock levels by category by  week based on post- seasonal analysis. Trend info and comp shop SWOT analysis to roll up to company Strategic budget.
• Order/stock administration and control – Ensure orders are placed timeously and in line with agreed plan down to assortment criteria.
• Store planning – ability to plan align store plans with product plans and develop options plans and optimums to optimise inventory performance.
• Allocations – work closely with the Merchandise Allocators to execute strategic allocations to deliver store budgeted sales, gross profit and inventory productivity.
• Stock Management – Monitor that orders are placed timeously and in line with the agreed plan down to assortment criteria.
• Store stock management – Conduct regular store visits to keep in touch with store needs.
• Reviews - Prepare supporting information to be presented along with product for review.
• People Management
• Self-Management and Teamwork