Planning Manager - Totalsports at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Key Responsibilities:

• To interpret the overall merchandise strategy and develop a high-level Merchandise financial plan by department for sales, stock margins, GP, PIS Closing stock and markdowns.
• To lead and manage end to end location strategy to ensure desired outcomes are achieved, i.e. to the right stock at the right store at the right time
• Balances a complex set of variables on an ongoing basis to ensure the financial outcome is achieved.
• To manage the departmental inventory in line with the financial targets
• To manage the stock fulfilment through the Homeware DC and our Online fulfilment partner.
• Drive local sourcing, supplier stockholding and packaging to improve DC throughput.
• To compile and produce reports to ensure visibility of correct information in order to take corrective action to maintain and/or improve profitability.
• Identify potential business risks (overselling, underselling, overstock, buying margin) and proposing corrective action and ensuring execution thereof.
• To build high performance teams through effective people management and develop to ensure capability to meet current and future business objectives.
• To work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the business plan and an effective and efficient supply chain.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience  as a Merchandise Planning Manager
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Merchandise Planning
• A post graduate business qualification is desirable
• 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 will be advantageous
• Solid knowledge of planning systems and procedures are required.
• Strong understanding of customer demographics
• In-depth knowledge of the Planning process in retail

Skills: 

• Financial planning
• Category management
• People management and have led a team of planners 
• Business Acumen
• Problem solving and analytical thinking

Behaviours: 

• Sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results
• Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives
• Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation
• Leverages new technology to enhance productivity, improve problem solving, and support business growth
• Effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives
• Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes
• Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Identifies, nurtures, and supports the growth of individuals within the organisation