Planner - Volpes 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

• Ensure timeous placement of Replenishment (RPL) and Fashion orders onto the system 
• Sign off of all Orders 
• Managing orders through the critical path process up until WH delivery
• DC RPL Optimization 
• Managing and processing of Raw Material to Suppliers where applicable 
• Prepare a detailed SWOT analysis and Key Lessons Learnt (KLL) - planning templates 
• Prepare a detailed financial review of commodity performance across all KPIs
• Prepare budgets for the next season across all key KPIs considering buyer feedback on product shifts / trends
• Summarise strategic intent and include any new opportunities 
• Consider Company direction and guidelines in your strategy preparation (topline growths, inflation etc) 
• Analysis of past and current assortments across all key attributes highlighting shifts, missed opportunities and areas of improvement
• Work with the buyer to understand newness, core / RPL updates and market trends
• Consider store performance - missed opportunities, down trending areas and store profiles 
• Prepare next season assortments rolling up to topline that will deliver sales and margin targets
• Present detailed merchandise strategy and assortment plan summaries
• Develop a Merchandise plan by commodity for sales, margins, discount etc. for a Fin Yr
• Influence and implement the merchandise strategy 
• Capitalize on opportunities for sales growth as well as stock turn / cover and inventory improvement
• Work closely with the buyer across all stages of the retail cycle to plan, review and trade to achieve set budgets
• Monitor weekly / monthly review of actuals against plan and re-forecasting 
• Compile weekly critical path management reports and feedback on proposed action in trade meetings
• Controlling of OTB against plan and trade
• Preparation of products for campaign / promotion launches with buyer
• Loading of SKUs for campaigns / promotions
• Weekly update of RPL SKU forecast and reacting where necessary 
• Regular meetings with factory / suppliers to discuss forecast 
• Weekly management of the stock fulfilments through the DCs
• Manage flow of stock into the business to support the required sales targets
• Monitor RPL product performance to take appropriate action 
• Highlight poor product performance (P and D) and take appropriate action in consultation with buyer
• Identify potential business risks (overselling, underselling, overstock, margins). Propose corrective action and execute timeously
• Preparation of weekly / monthly trade reviews (template) - planning specifics
• Preparation of Campaign reviews (template) - planning specifics
• Analyse and feedback on store product performance reporting at monthly trade meetings
• Management of store assortment to style stock ideals based on store profile
• Ensure balanced assortment offering across store profiles 
• Store stock management by profile 
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the merchandise strategy 
• Management of communication with stores and field
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure an effective and efficient supply chain
• Maintain effective supplier relationships

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification. 
• Must have a minimum of 3+ years proven working experience as a Planner. 
• Strong understanding of customer demographics and in-depth knowledge of the planning process in retail.

Skills:

• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed and strategic approach to work
• In-depth knowledge of the planning process in manufacturing or Logistics environment
• Computer literacy in word, excel and knowledge of “Fast React” will be an added advantage
• Category management
• Strong business acumen and continuous improvement thinking
• Good organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proven decision-making ability
• Strong affiliation to systems, utilising them to increase productivity in line with the manufacturing strategy
• The ability to influence and work with internal stakeholders as well as external business partners with a strong focus on alignment across the various areas and teamwork

Behaviours :

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Demonstrates Self-awareness - accurately perceives and reflects on personal strengths and areas of development
• Drives Results - sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results
• 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
• Nimble learning - quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment
• Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives
• Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation