Planning Analyst - Online Commerce at Ackermans

• We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Planning Analyst - Online Commerce to optimize sales by ensuring the right products are stocked in the right quantity, at the right time, and in line with the principles of online commerce. This role will involve analysing and forecasting customer purchase behaviour, driving trade, and supporting various teams with operational insights to improve the profitability and performance of our online store.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performance Management: Work closely with the internal teams to maximise sales, analyse performance & optimise product stock levels
• Stock Planning & Management: Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure the online store is well-stocked with the right products, balancing demand and supply to optimise sales.
• Demand Forecasting: Analyse customer behaviour, historical sales trends, and market data to predict future product demand, supporting efficient stock replenishment.
• Data Analysis: Provide actionable insights through data analysis, identifying patterns and trends in online sales and customer purchasing behaviour to guide inventory planning.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with cross-functional teams (marketing, supply chain, and operations) to align stock levels with online promotions, new launches, and seasonal demand.
• Operational Insights: Develop and present reports on key performance metrics, inventory turnover, and sales trends to help improve overall online commerce profitability.
• Inventory Optimization: Recommend strategies for optimising stock levels to reduce costs, minimize stockouts, and improve product availability.
• Trend & Market Analysis: Monitor competitor activity, market conditions, and industry trends to identify opportunities for stock optimization and sales growth.

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

Knowledge

• A comprehensive knowledge/understanding of SA’s value retail clothing market, customers and competitors
• A practical grasp of the South African E-Commerce market would be advantageous.
• An excellent comprehension of planning, inventory management, trading, customer behaviour and principles relevant to value retailing.

Skills:

• A high degree of numeracy and analytical thinking
• The ability to think and operate at a strategic level
• Knowledge of eCommerce platform, customer experiences, and a track record of an ability to trade
• Familiarity with tools like Power BI, to present data insights in a clear and understandable way.
• Understanding of statistical methods to analyse trends, customer behaviour, and sales performance.
• Skills in predicting future sales trends based on historical data, market trends, and customer behaviour.
• Experience in forecasting product demand and aligning it with inventory and supply chain planning.
• Understanding how to create and manage budgets, track spending, and ensure that the business stays within financial constraints.
• Knowledge of key performance indicators (KPIs) like conversion rates, average order value, customer lifetime value, and cart abandonment rates.
• Familiarity with online marketing performance metrics, such as ROI, and performance of advertising campaigns.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems for tracking sales, inventory, and financial data.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work within tight deadlines.
• Ability to work with various departments, such as marketing, finance, operations, and product teams, to ensure alignment with business goals.
• Adapt to changing market conditions and business needs quickly.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A relevant Business/Commercial/Retail, Degree or Diploma
• Trader mentality, business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 - 7 years of store planning experience within a clothing environment
• 2-5 years’ experience in an online/e-commerce environment