Product Planner (open advert / no specific portfolio)

We’re looking for experienced planners to deliver, implement and manage departmental business plans that support the merchandise strategy. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of merchandise products in a value retail business, be self-motivated, and passionate about data-driven performance. Key responsibilities include managing departmental forecasts, preparing merchandise assortment plans, ensuring sufficient inflows for replenishment, and providing accurate merchandise information to optimize business opportunities.

Must Have

• Grade 12 certificate / Matric
• Minimum 2-3 years product planning experience in retail/FMCG
• Replenishment and assortment planning experience
• Prior store planning experience
• Previous store management experience (1-2 years)
• Exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes
• Experience working in planning systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Knowledge of retail merchandise cycle, replenishments, SA retail market
• Sound commercial thinking, numerical, analytical, problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal, relationship-building, planning, organizing, time management skills
• Conflict resolution, resilience, agility, drive under pressure
• Collaboration, flexibility, self-motivation, responsibility, integrity
• Methodical, detail-oriented, effective communication, deadline-oriented, assertiveness

Good to Have

• B. Comm./ B. Science degree (Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Stats, Business Science)
• National Diploma (Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting, Financial Information Systems)
• Proficiency in advanced Excel usage

JOB PURPOSE: We’re looking for experienced planners to deliver, implement and manage departmental business plans that support the merchandise strategy. Our ideal candidate? An experienced planner with a strong understanding of merchandise products in a value retail business. A self-motivated individual who's passionate about data-driven performance and driving results through numbers. You'll need to bring your high energy level to keep up with the excitement of our retail environment! KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Delivering and implementing departmental business plans that support the SBU’s merchandise strategy. * Managing departmental forecasts to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan. * Preparing and delivering merchandise assortment plans that support the signed-off departmental business strategy. * Ensuring sufficient inflows to maintaining agreed replenishment service levels to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan. * Providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimise risk and optimise business opportunities. * Executing and managing project plans to achieve the agreed objectives (if applicable). QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Essential: Grade 12 certificate / Matric Preferred: * B. Comm./ B. Science degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Stats and Business Science OR * National Diploma majoring in Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting OR * National Diploma in Financial Information Systems JOB RELATED KNOWELDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: Knowledge required: * the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores * seasonal & non-seasonal replenishments * the SA retail clothing market, customers and competitors Skills required: * Sound commercial thinking & numerical skills * Analytical thinking & logical problem-solving skills * Interpersonal and relationship-building skills * Planning, organising & time management skills. * Conflict resolution skills * Resilience, agility, and the ability to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure. * Collaboration skills, fostering a shared vision, and positively influencing decision-making in a team setting. * Flexibility to function effectively under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in diverse circumstances. * Self-motivation, a sense of responsibility, and pride in one's work. * Methodical and detail-oriented approach, ensuring accuracy in tasks. * Effective communication skills across all levels. * Strong sense of integrity in professional conduct. * Deadline-oriented mindset. * Assertiveness in handling tasks and responsibilities EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: * A minimum of 2-3 years previous experience in product planning within a relevant retail and/or FMCG environment is essential. * Replenishment and assortment planning experience * Prior store planning experience * Previous store management experience (1 – 2 years) * Previous exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes * Experience working in planning systems. * Experience working with the most recent Microsoft software, including Word and Excel, is a prerequisite. Proficiency in advanced Excel usage would be an asset.