Planning Manager - Sportscene at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Job Description

• The Planning Manager I is responsible for interpreting the overall merchandise strategy and developing a high-level merchandise financial plan by department. This includes managing the departmental inventory, compiling and producing reports, and building high-performance teams through effective people management.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and develop merchandise strategies aligned to overall business objectives and market trends 
• Analyse sales data, seasonal patterns, and promotional performance to forecast customer demand 
• Develop and manage high-level merchandise financial plans to support revenue and profitability targets 
• Oversee departmental inventory by setting stock parameters, managing safety stock, and minimising over/understock situations
• Collaborate with buyers, suppliers, logistics, and distribution centres to ensure efficient product flow to stores 
• Plan and execute assortments and promotional activities to maximise performance during key trading periods 
• Lead scenario planning and promotional forecasting to optimise trading outcomes 
• Compile and analyse weekly, monthly, and ad-hoc reports to track performance and inform decision-making 
• Drive results in a fast-paced retail environment by proactively adjusting plans based on trading performance 
• Lead, coach, and develop planners and allocators to build a high-performance, engaged team 
• Provide clear communication, feedback, and development plans to ensure team alignment and growth 
• Oversee strategic initiatives such as new store openings, revamps, and closures 
• Ensure alignment across teams and functions with overall business strategy and objectives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Commerce, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in retail planning At least 2 years’ experience within a branded retail environment. 
• Experience with Retail related Planning tools 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, forecasting, modelling) 
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring and developing teams
• Experience within an omni retail environment, a history of achievement and delivering results within a fast-paced retail environment, experience in scenario and promotional planning, strong understanding of customer demographics, and in-depth knowledge of the planning process in retail.

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