Merchandising and Planning Manager – Fast Growing Premium Fashion Brand Merchandising and Planning Manager – Fast Growing Premium Fashion Brand Role summary This position will be leading the planning and distribution value chain in the Retail and E-Commerce channels according to the purpose, vision and values whilst managing all pricing, forecasts and procurement stock and meeting profit targets. Roles and responsibilities Understand the business strategy and drive the development of product strategies by channel and range Ensure optimal samples are ordered in accordance with planned merchandising strategies Ensure that the buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by all relevant stakeholders Evaluate customer sales through data and trading patterns Manage a consumption tool to react early to effectively plan across channels With the sales and marketing functions, manage the full GTM sales process from planning, co-ordinating and developing sales tools that directly support the sell-in process for both existing and new accounts (catalogues, pricelist lists, order forms, delivery dates, showroom prep, catering, trade marketing support) Ensure segmentation of the product line to address account needs and to differentiate between WS and PTC channels Planning Implement the integrated planning process that deals with customer demand, upselling opportunities, EOL and stock management Manage planning tool to establish quantities to be purchased for the season per channel Evaluate all order or cancellation opportunities Ensure purchase orders are placed with company suppliers in line with companies OTB budgets Ensure stock turn objectives and profit targets are met Ensuring that Retail buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by team members and relevant stakeholders Management of the Retail range assortments and replenishment Analysis of Retail sell through with necessary systems (Excel, Cictech and SAP B1) to optimize seasonal orders and replenishment to stores. Communicating with Stores where necessary to understand trading patterns Monitoring in season trade and react accordingly Ensuring product plan meets location plan targets and correct stock allocations meet sales targets Ensuring sufficient inflows of product to meet acceptable in stock percentages in order to maintaining agreed replenishment service levels Ensure space optimization per store in accordance with sell through information (Gender, Silhouette, colour etc.) Providing accurate and timeous reporting to ensure the business can react to situations and management has the necessary information to minimise risk and optimise business opportunities. Supply Chain Meet range development deadlines in order to ensure supplier deadlines are met Ensure accurate requested ship dates to ease cash flow pressures Establish and maintain realistic supply-chain based performance deadlines, lead times etc. Manage the reconciliation of OOR against purchase order identifying irregularities and highlighting this to the Planners Manage the delivery of samples to Head Office as necessary maintaining responsibility for this inventory until signed over to the relevant merchant Split Purchase Orders to reflect shipping inventory and communicate this to all parties Establish shipment plan and identify consolidation opportunities for cost reduction based on OOR reconciliation Stockholder Management Build relationships with key stakeholders (Group Planning Lead etc.), customers, supplier and partners Reporting Develop and continually evaluate all reports in order to monitor stock arrival in SA, sales, history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory etc. Provide monthly reports as required by management from time to time. People Management Ensure role clarity and effective goal-setting Mentor and coach the Planners, Junior Planner and Inventory Controller to ensure to ensure an optimal team strategy is achieved Handle IR issues and performance management and discuss disciplinary requirements with HCM Manage the GOLP process of for all team members Monitor the application of the HR Value Chain and adherence to people-related SOP’s Requirements: Relevant Degree (B-Com) or related Diploma in Retail Management/Planning/Supply Chain/Merchandise Management 3 - 5 years’ experience in a similar role 3 - 5 years’ Management experience Knowledge of an ERP system A strong understanding of fashion retail and the market opportunities within the retail, wholesale and e-commerce sector Ability to dissect large/complex data into meaningful and easy to understand reports Budgeting and forecasting Capacity to collaborate, integrate&facilitate teamwork (ability to network, build and sustain stakeholder relationships internally as well as with external stakeholders is critical) Business and commercial acumen Excellent negotiation and communication skills Highly organized and deadline driven Advanced Report Writing High attention to detail Advanced Excel Own vehicle You get to work for a rapidly expanding distributor with aspirational brands. Personal Trainer Yoga Pension Fund Medical aid with Gap cover Staff discount (50% off for you and your family across all the brands within the group) 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. Should you not be contacted regarding this position within 2 weeks from the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful. 2 people have applied for this job. 93 people have viewed this job. #J-18808-Ljbffr