Senior Planner: Cleaning & Laundry at Woolworths

Introduction

• To lead, inspire and provide strategic and operational direction at a Category Level in order to maximise trading opportunities in a matrix structure. Providing accurate forecasts of customer demand through management by exception, Optimising inventory management through the supply chain within defined parameters.

Job description

•     To lead, manage and develop matrix team members across the matrix by driving the Category level strategy of planning
•     Optimise profitability through effective management of a set of KPI’s on a through effective reporting and analysis
•     Review performance and adjust levers to deliver to a set of KPI’s in line with the agreed targets
•     Conduct, interpret and share reporting and analysis of current and historical performance to optimise future planning with sustainable solutions
•     Develop the Category Level Strategy and lead the implementation with a specific focus on planning objectives and requirements
•     Coordinate and provide input in development of Long Term Tactical plans and Supply Management
•     Analysis of historical and current performance
•     Understand market / product trends as well as department focus that could impact demand
•     Communicate and integrate with all key stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure objectives are aligned
•     Implement improvements in processes and tools by developing new ways of working or enhancing the current way of working to drive continuous improvements and achieve all metrics
•     Contribute to the planning strategy at a Category as well as Trading Group level

Minimum requirements

•     Minimum of 5 years planning experience in Retail / FMCG
•     Relevant commercial Degree / Qualification and is commercial driven
•     Proven leadership ability and able to work in a matrix structure
•     Excellent understanding of internal and external factors impacting on customer demand
•     Knowledge of the long-life / fresh category an advantage
•     Inventory management experience will be advantageous
•     Good understanding of store customer profiles and product life cycles
•     Strong analytical skill/interpretative ability, including understanding of and ability to read graphs and identify trends
•     Proven ability to use statistical forecasting tools
•     Understanding of supply chain concepts, processes and systems
•     Knowledge of store operations (including customer profiles, competitors, etc.)
•     Production planning understanding to support and input into supplier plans will be advantageous
•     Problem solving skills – ability to identify problems and implement effective solutions
•     Proactive – ability to anticipate events and plan for them in detail
•     Ability to be productive in a pressurized and changing environment and proven ability in conflict management