Team Lead SC Planner (Evergreen) at Pick n Pay Stores Limited

Job Description

• A core function of the Team Lead Planner is to understand the strategic objectives of the business and drive the implementation of an operating plan within the relevant planning team to achieve it.
• Part of the Team Lead Planner’s responsibilities is to manage and guide operational planning teams and ensure the use of standardized processes, tools and reports required to perform planning responsibilities and reach availability, sales, working capital and stakeholder engagement KPIs.
• The Team Lead Planner must also ensure effective integration and communication across all cross-functional teams and external stakeholders and drive their teams to contribute to and execute sales strategies and trade plans.

Minimum requirements

• 2+ years supply chain planning experience
• Knowledge of DC and stores operations/limitations
• Understanding of the processes and procedures within the category
• Sound knowledge of business/system rules used by planning teams
• Cross-functional and stakeholder collaboration

Competencies

• Understanding the operational and financial impact of decisions made and actions taken in the Supply Chain Planning environment
• Enforcing PNP planning principles and adhering to the limitations faced in the supply chain environment
• Understanding the importance of the SCP KPIs and driving adherence to them within the team
• High emotional intelligence
• Professional attitude in the working environment
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and time management skills
• Sense of urgency – special focus on professional, timeously provided feedback (including statistical figures where applicable)
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Leadership skills with the ability to create a motivational working environment for teams
• Good interpersonal relationship and communication skills
• Knowledge of IT systems and tools used for planning i.e. SAP ERP, F&R, Analysis, UDF

Strategic Sales/Promotional Planning

• Ensure compliance to T- planning processes (incl. Promotion/Event/New Product Development forecasting)
• Align with commercial buyers on forecasted volumes at T-4 before confirming with vendors as and when required on focus lines
• Work with commercial buyers to achieve growth hurdles and sales targets within business set limitations
• Align on pending price increases and identify stock to buy-in, in addition to clearance plans for this stock (additional promotional activity required if stockholding far exceeds stock model targets)
• Key understanding required of the sale trends of seasonal lines

Daily/Strategic Operational Execution

• The Team Lead Planner will still have a portfolio with a set number of accounts to manage in a Supply Chain Planner capacity
• Running VL10 is no longer a requirement for the Team Lead Planner
• Ensure the use of standardised planning and reporting tools for accurate replenishment and promotional planning and execution within team
• Ensure all planners use the correct tools and reports to understand root cause on poor KPI performance and implement solutions that will proactively reduce/avoid returns to DC or vendor
• Track availability of total category and highlight risks to the business (general and promotional)

Continuous Improvement & Standardisation

• Proactively provide input and suggestions on improved ways of work and planning processes
• Ensure successful implementation of new processes, tools and reports in teams
• Drive the use of standardised planning processes, tools and reports by all planners
• Ensure the operating plan is clearly communicated to and implemented by all planners

Drive Improved Stakeholder Engagement

• Build & maintain good working relationship with all stakeholders (including but not limited to Vendors, Commercial, DC & Logistic teams, Operating Division co-ordinators, etc.)
• Collaborate with required internal stakeholders to create accurate and realistic sales plans that reflect business, category and promotional strategies
• Work with vendors and commercial to understand the root cause of poor strike rate and work on solutions to proactively avoid/mitigate strike rate issues
• Expectation to be available after office hours to assist with emergency queries and risk mitigation from various stakeholders

Team Leadership and People Development

• Create clear direction, guidance and support for your team to execute required responsibilities
• Identify training opportunities through observation of planner performance or consultation with teams
• Lead by example by adhering to office regulations (professional attire, office hours, etc.)

Closing date: 31 July 2026