Senior Planner - Vans South Africa at Ares Holdings

Job Description

Summary

• This position is required to oversee the entire planning function for the brand.
• The role is responsible for controlling inventory in the brand and to manage the flow of products in the business.
• Do all pricing, forecasts and procurement of stock.

Planning Strategy

• Understand the business strategy and assist in developing product strategies and range building in line with the business vision.
• Develop an integrated planning process that deals with customer demand, upselling opportunities in high demand end uses, EOL & stock to management in accordance with budgeted guidance (OTB), to consume against future seasons.
• Evaluate data from other relevant brand countries for forecasting purposes and to support recommendations for range decisions.

Operational Partnerships (Retail)

• Assist buying department with information needed for the buying process.
• Together with the Buyer, ensure optimal samples are selected that are applicable to the South African market.
• Assist Retail and Merchandiser/Buyer to ensure that buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by team members and relevant stakeholders
• Manage merchandise, supply chain and logistics aspect of retail
• Measure stock levels against plans

Reporting and Analytics

• Consolidation and loading of all POs for the company
• Assist in the mapping and architecture of the IT system for order management, logistical support, planning, point of sale, order tracking and Bl tools etc.
• Develop and continually evaluate all reports in order to establish sales history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory & liquidation plans etc.
• Build and manage a consumption tool to react early to effectively plan for stores & business
• Develop management reports indicating attainment to target, margins and EOL status
• Develop an accurate ATS document to be refreshed on a weekly basis
• Develop seasonal and ATS order forms
• Create business dashboards highlighting business opportunities as well as risks

Lead

• Lead and manage the planning process for the brand
• Facilitate recruitment, on boarding, mentoring and succession within the department
• Ensure planning governance and compliance within the brand

Requirements

• Degree in Logistics, Supply-Chain, Retail, Business or any other related field
• 3+ years' management experience in planning/retail environment
• 5 years proven merchandise distribution and planning experience
• Strategic agility and able to articulate the vision and purpose
• Ability and experience in managing a dynamic, diverse and decentralised team
• Advanced Excel skills
• Highly numerate, analytical and detailed orientated
• Organized and deadline driven with exceptional attention to detail
• Drives collaboration and promotes teamwork
• Must have good problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks according to importance in a fast-paced environment
• Multi-tasking capability without compromising on quality
• Dependable, punctual and able to work flexible working hours
• Valid Driver's license and own transport
• Willing to travel locally

Perks & Benefits

• You get to work for a rapidly expanding distributor with aspirational brands
• Gym & Shower facilities
• Personal Trainer
• Yoga
• Pension Fund
• Medical aid with Gap cover
• Staff Allocation (R10 000 Retail Value per annum).
• Staff discount (50% off for you and your family across all the brands within the group)
• Healthy Lunch subsidy
• Company performance incentive scheme
• Long-service incentives
• Holistic Employee Wellness programme
• The group prides itself in its effort to drive continuous employee engagement activities to enable a connected culture.

Closing Date: 15 July 2025