Planner at Ares Holdings

Job Description

• This position is required to drive the business growth and oversee all strategic and operational functions within this area. The role is ultimately responsible for the flow and control of inventory in the business. The Planner is also responsible for all pricing, forecasting and procurement of inventory.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Planning Strategy 

• Understand the business strategy and assist in developing product strategies by channel, as well as range building in line with the business vision.
• Develop an integrated planning process that deals with customer demand, upselling opportunities in high demand end uses, EOL & stock to management in accordance with budgeted guidance (OTB), to consume against future seasons.
• Evaluate customer sell through data for forecasting purposes and to support recommendations for range decisions.
• Formulate a forward-looking sales plan by account.
• Manage the Open Order Report (OOR) in collaboration with Wholesale       Key Accounts.
• Managers to ensure that stock is procured accurately and timeously from the global supply.

Operational Partnerships

• Assist buying department and account managers with information needed for the buying process.
• Ensure that buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by team members and relevant stakeholders.
• Build relationships with the key wholesale customers to ensure regular sell through feedback and in turn help them manage optimum stock levels in store to maximise sales.
• Manage merchandise, supply chain and logistics aspect of wholesale.
• Measure stock wholesale OB uptake.

Reporting and Analytics 

• Maintenance of all wholesale sales orders.
• Maintenance and uploading of the companies’ line list, with all the required information as well as all wholesale pricing.
• Assist in the mapping and architecture of the IT system for order management, logistical support, planning, point of sale, order tracking and Bl tools etc.
• Develop and continually evaluate all reports to establish sales history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory & liquidation plans etc.
• Develop management reports indicating attainment to target, margins and EOL status.
• Develop an accurate ATS document to be refreshed on a weekly basis.
• Create business dashboards highlighting business opportunities as well as risks.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Degree in Retail, Business or any other related field
• 3+ years’ experience in merchandise planning in a retail environment
• Strategic agility and able to articulate a vision and purpose.
• Advanced Excel skills

Perks & Benefits

• You get to work for a rapidly expanding distributor with aspirational brands
• Gym & Shower facilities
• Personal Trainer
• Yoga
• Pension Fund
• Medical aid with Gap cover
• Staff Allocation (R10 000 Retail Value per annum).
• Staff discount (50% off for you and your family across all the brands within the group)
• Healthy Lunch subsidy
• Company performance incentive scheme
• Long-service incentives
• Holistic Employee Wellness programme
• The group prides itself in its effort to drive continuous employee engagement activities to enable a connected culture.

Closing Date 03 September 2025