Senior Planner - JD Sports_ FTC ( 6 Months) 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 measures – sales, markdown, inventory, sales margin    
• Developing category strategic, tactical, and operational plans to achieve set targets 
• Management of range assortment at store level in conjunction with the buyer  
• Replenishment of key lines 
• Manage OTB allowance both in-season and forward budgets 
• Attend all appointments relating to product launches and selection throughout the year as specified 
• Analysis and review of previous week sales with the buying team and propose and drive actions for the week   
• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings 
• Reporting on performance, initiatives and operational plans to management periodically (weekly, monthly, seasonally, and annually) 
• Team player and be able to foster collaboration across buying, planning, marketing, VM and operations functions. 
• Be influential in the implementing of change to achieve company goals/objectives 
• Drive allocation and grading strategy with allocator 
• Inventory delivery management 
• Markdown proposal and action 
• Regular store visits as a team 

Qualifications

• Diploma, Graduate Degree, or Post Graduate Degree   
• At least 5 years of proven working experience as a Planner (sports/branded goods advantageous) 
• Sound understanding of the retail cycle and planning process   
• A good working knowledge of the current computer software packages including Microsoft office    
• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed, and strategic approach to work 

Skills:  

• Strong business acumen and merchant thinking 
• Excellent planning, organisational and interpersonal skills  
• Proven decision-making ability 
• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed, and strategic approach to work 
• Excellent time management skills   
• Good communication skills  
• Good judgement and problem-solving skills   
• Negotiation skills 
• Team player and be able to foster collaboration across departments 
• Be influential in the implementing of change to achieve company goals/objectives 

Behaviours:

• Establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships 
• Effectively works with others to achieve shared goals 
• Understands, anticipates, and meets the needs and expectations of customers 
• Takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets 
• Effectively influences others by gaining support and commitment in the delivery of organisational goals and objectives 
• Develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives