Overview
An exciting opportunity for a Merchandise Planner has become available. We are looking for an experienced planner to work with two well known international fashion brands and assist the business in expanding both channels and improving profitability. The role will encompass both store and assortment planning for the retail channel; as well as working with the Brand / Sales Managers to support the wholesale business with demand planning. There is a strong focus on improving key performance metrics over time, where the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these objectives are met
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Preparation of seasonal sales and stock plans, encompassing unit projections, price inflation targeting, and product mix optimization.
Preparation of Seasonal analysis of each Brand in order to fully understand the performance down to the lowest SKU Level; and to use such analysis for Critical Forward Planning for each Brand.
Assisting with the compilation of annual sales budgets, with ongoing reforecasts at a store, category, and product level to ensure achievability and to rebalance OTB commitments
Management of the forward order pipeline with international vendors by ensuring OTB commitments are aligned to the budgeted sales plans and Principal Commercial Contracts.
Managing the critical path of each brand respectively, to optimize the relevant timelines and ensure key interventions are conducted on time.
Continual assessment of Store performance and implementation of stock management techniques to keep the business aligned to key indicators; including but not limited to effective Replenishment to maximize Sales performance and Market Share.
Providing support to the Brand Manager and Head of Planning with the setting and maintenance of prices and margins across the range.
Compilation of regular management and operational reporting to bring visibility to business operations.
Working closely with the Brand and Purchasing & Customer Services Teams to formulate commercially practical ranges whilst providing and presenting data that supports informed decision-making.
Working with and providing direction and/or guidance to the allocations team to replenish stock to stores to eliminate lost sales opportunities.
Work jointly with Store Operations and drive development to ensure grading/option plan is in line with space management (pre-season).
Ensure integration of ratio management in all merchandising activities.
Ensure that best practice is actioned for in-depth analysis to support buying commitment decisions for each Brand as appropriate.
Review and action fact-based category input and feedback for internal/external stakeholders.
Guide the Operational teams for best practice end-to-end in-season management including management of best sellers and worst sellers, in-season stock cover management, in-season reactivity, and sales to space management.
Provide guidance and strategy for execution of end-of-season stock management.
Oversee the optimal flow of merchandise incl. fulfillment of product/marketing introduction deadlines/capacity planning.
To work collaboratively with Marketing and Brand, Visual Merchandising (VM), and Store Operations.
To support the Business and Finance Teams when conducting Business Reviews for each of the Brands as appropriate.
Education & Experience Requirements:
Essential: Matric
Desirable: Relevant business-related tertiary qualification
Essential: 6+ years relevant merchandise planning experience in a retail environment Core Competencies
Persuading and Influencing
Analyzing
Deciding and initiating action
Planning and Organizing
Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
Presenting and Communicating Information
Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
Negotiation skills
Communication skills
Commercial thinking
Presentation skills
Knowledge of IT systems and data analytics
Client account management • Knowledge of market trends and the retail landscape
Self–starter and manage own tasks and responsibilities