Senior Planner - Fabiani at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Job Description

• The Planner III is responsible for mentoring the Merchandise Planning Team, projecting future sales into key categories, and optimizing planning processes. This includes managing range assortments and replenishment, implementing distribution strategies, and providing guidance and support to team members.

Responsibilities:

• Drive product efficiencies and key commercial measures including sales, markdowns, inventory, and sales margin
• Develop category strategic, tactical, and operational plans to achieve set targets
• Manage range assortments and store‑level distribution in partnership with the buyer
• Oversee replenishment of key lines to ensure optimal stock availability
• Manage OTB allowances for both in‑season and forward budgets
• Attend product launches, buying appointments, and seasonal range selections throughout the year
• Analyse weekly sales performance with the buying team and propose actionable trading strategies
• Prepare and present weekly, monthly, seasonal, and annual performance in trade and senior management meetings
• Report on performance, initiatives, and operational plans to management
• Foster strong collaboration across Buying, Planning, Marketing, VM, and Operations
• Influence and implement change initiatives to support company goals and improve planning performance.
• Drive allocation and grading strategy in collaboration with the allocator
• Manage delivery performance and stock flow
• Propose and execute markdown strategies 

  Qualifications and experience:

• A completed Degree in Business Management/ BCom or related studies with majors in Finance, Statistics, Economics or Maths
• At least 5 years’ proven experience as a Planner within retail apparel, with strong understanding of merchandising and commercial performance
• Menswear experience highly advantageous
• Experience working with premium branded apparel preferred
• Strong background in merchandise financial systems; experience with Arthur Planning or similar planning tools is advantageous
• High degree of numeracy with an analytical, detail‑oriented, and strategic approach
• Exceptional analytical and forecasting skills
• Strong numerical acumen and commercial mindset
• Solid business acumen with demonstrated negotiation and decision‑making capability
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong teamwork and collaboration ability

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:

• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, decision making, interpersonal relations, problem solving, teamwork & written communication   
• Comfortable and effective influencer.   
• You need to be flexible as the environment is very dynamic and priorities can change.   
• Sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results  
• Adapts effectively to situations that are complex, uncertain, or lack guidelines and clear information  
• Interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems  
• Assesses and improves the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of various work processes  
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives  
• Effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation  
• Thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation