Job Description

The Planner II is responsible for influencing and implementing the relevant brand’s merchandise strategy. They manage financial and strategic aspects of various products, including product planning, controlling open-to-buy, and reviewing figures. They also handle range assortments, replenishment, distribution strategy, and communication with stores and field teams. Additionally, they provide insights and recommendations for improving merchandise performance.

• Ensure timeous placement of Replenishment (RPL) and Fashion orders onto the system
• Sign off of all Orders
• Managing orders through the critical path process up until WH delivery
• DC RPL Optimization
• Managing and processing of Raw Material to Suppliers where applicable
• Prepare a detailed SWOT analysis and Key Lessons Learnt (KLL) - planning templates
• Prepare a detailed financial review of commodity performance across all KPIs
• Prepare budgets for the next season across all key KPIs considering buyer feedback on product shifts / trends
• Summarise strategic intent and include any new opportunities
• Consider Company direction and guidelines in your strategy preparation (topline growths, inflation etc)
• Analysis of past and current assortments across all key attributes highlighting shifts, missed opportunities and areas of improvement
• Work with the buyer to understand newness, core / RPL updates and market trends
• Consider store performance - missed opportunities, down trending areas and store profiles
• Prepare next season assortments rolling up to topline that will deliver sales and margin targets
• Present detailed merchandise strategy and assortment plan summaries
• Develop a Merchandise plan by commodity for sales, margins, discount etc. for a Fin Yr
• Influence and implement the merchandise strategy
• Capitalize on opportunities for sales growth as well as stock turn / cover and inventory improvement
• Work closely with the buyer across all stages of the retail cycle to plan, review and trade to achieve set budgets
• Monitor weekly / monthly review of actuals against plan and re-forecasting
• Compile weekly critical path management reports and feedback on proposed action in trade meetings
• Controlling of OTB against plan and trade
• Preparation of products for campaign / promotion launches with buyer
• Loading of SKUs for campaigns / promotions
• Weekly update of RPL SKU forecast and reacting where necessary
• Regular meetings with factory / suppliers to discuss forecast
• Weekly management of the stock fulfilments through the DCs
• Manage flow of stock into the business to support the required sales targets
• Monitor RPL product performance to take appropriate action
• Highlight poor product performance (P and D) and take appropriate action in consultation with buyer
• Identify potential business risks (overselling, underselling, overstock, margins). Propose corrective action and execute timeously
• Preparation of weekly / monthly trade reviews (template) - planning specifics
• Preparation of Campaign reviews (template) - planning specifics
• Analyse and feedback on store product performance reporting at monthly trade meetings
• Management of store assortment to style stock ideals based on store profile
• Ensure balanced assortment offering across store profiles
• Store stock management by profile
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the merchandise strategy
• Management of communication with stores and field
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure an effective and efficient supply chain
• Maintain effective supplier relationships

• A relevant tertiary qualification.
• Must have a minimum of 3+ years proven working experience as a Planner.
• Strong understanding of customer demographics and in-depth knowledge of the planning process in retail.

Skills:

• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed and strategic approach to work
• In-depth knowledge of the planning process in manufacturing or Logistics environment
• Computer literacy in word, excel and knowledge of “Fast React” will be an added advantage
• Category management
• Strong business acumen and continuous improvement thinking
• Good organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proven decision-making ability
• Strong affiliation to systems, utilising them to increase productivity in line with the manufacturing strategy
• The ability to influence and work with internal stakeholders as well as external business partners with a strong focus on alignment across the various areas and teamwork

Behaviours :

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
• Demonstrates Self-awareness - accurately perceives and reflects on personal strengths and areas of development
• Drives Results - sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results
• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets
• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
• Nimble learning - quickly adapts and acquires new knowledge, skills, and competencies in a rapidly changing environment
• Plans and Aligns - develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives
• Situational Adaptability - effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision-making based on the situation
  

Preference will be given but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act

Who we are is because of our people. They are our greatest asset. TFG is an internationally diversified retail portfolio of 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands that Inspire our Customers to live their Best Lives and are woven into the lives of millions. Our vision is to create the most remarkable omnichannel experiences for our customers. TFG is more than a workplace, it's a launchpad for your growth. Join us and explore endless growth opportunities across our diverse brands. We’re a purpose-led business, and on this team, you’ll share the pride of making an impact across a whole industry.

We’re the designers, the makers, the shakers and the teams behind the scenes.

Are you with us?