Job category: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale and Supply Chain Location: Cape Town Contract: Permanent EE position: No Introduction Develop and deliver integrated department merchandise planning strategies to meet KPI’s and manage inventory efficiently. In addition, procure a balanced range of merchandise most wanted by the current and potential Woolworths customer.Deliver impact and value, balance quality with speed, shape the future with technology and insight driven decision making and action. Manage, coach and mentor Planners&Store Planners. Develop and Execute Merchandise Financial Plan Collaborate with cross functional teams to compile and develop a departmental strategy in line with Group strategy. Develop merchandise plan to anticipate seasonal differences in demand and minimise various risks. Develop and present seasonal department budget and merchandise financial plans, including OTB strategy, channel strategy, range and price architecture, promotional and clearance plan, and assortment plans to leadership for sign off. Consider all group inputs, including strategic initiatives, key operational metrics, and post-seasonal analysis. Analyse historical sales data, market trends, and customer demand to inform MFP. Manage the release of OTB (Open-to-Buy) to ensure alignment of sales and stock KPI’s. Review&revise department financial plan monthly in line with trading ensuring delivery of all KPI’s. Develop and execute Assortment Plan Partner with Buying to provide a balanced assortment and option plan based on thorough post-seasonal analysis, strategy, space and application of trends. Partner with Buying to develop and present the price architecture and provide guidance on the appropriate number of price points per category. Conduct product review and present final volumes and established flow of newness over time. Review and ensure grade assortment can be executed given available space&customer insights reports. Ensure a disciplined application of the attribute framework in the assortment plan. Develop and Execute Optimised Inventory Management Manage stock commitments, reporting and targets at all levels and ensure effective management of intake and flow of stock, warehouse utilisation&processes. Proactively identify opportunities to review inventory against plan and propose amendments in line with KPI delivery. Share planning forecast and range plan with Sourcing Specialists to inform high-level and detailed capacity plan across Groups. Leveraging insights Pre-season engagement with Central Planning Analysts to review and refine analytics (APS, Profiles&Sales Profiler) Analyse customer feedback, sales data, and market trends to make data-driven decisions and better inform future product demand. Manage planning admin in all applicable systems in line with the requirements of the Woolworths merchandise cycle. As a team, conduct competitive shopping and store visits and share findings to Leadership and broader team. Participate in weekly trade meetings to discuss business performance with appropriate action focus. Participate in company initiatives as appropriate. Conduct seasonal sizing profile reviews with Store Planner. People Management Provide direction, coaching and mentorship to any trainee and junior planner. Support training and adoption of new ways of working including planning systems and processes. Build strong networks and strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Procure a profitable balanced range&actively trade product range. Procure an on-brand product range through product selection that is trend appropriate and meets customer expectations, incorporating local and international comparative analysis, intelligence and benchmarking, with a clear intent of growth/exit product categories aligned with strategic goals. Weekly sales trade analysis - analyse relevant reports (Monday trade, item report, style cards, Edited) to understand product and sales performance across channels to influence trade decisions, opportunities and actions to optimise sales. Develop action plans in collaboration with broader teams to address product performance and relay feedback to management. Feedback to include competitor landscape analysis. Suggest promotional and markdown strategy and propose volume adjustments. Communicate any changes from current trade that impact other departments e.g. marketing and visual merchandising. · Preferably a relevant business diploma / degree (Retail business management/BCom/Clothing management/BScience) or relevant work experience · Knowledge of Retail, Supply Chain and Logistics processes · 4 -5 years’ experience as a Planner in the Fashion retail industry. · Knowledge of current trends and creative flair · Demonstrates the ability to think strategically and formulate effective plans and strategies. · People management experience -Coaching skills, ability to manage self&team · Retail Systems : Familiar with retail planning and merchandising software, like Assort, PLM, JDA · Strong numerical and analytical skills · Retail Math, proficiency in retail calculations · Intermediate Excel – ability to analyse and manipulate large datasets to present complex information in a clear and concise manner #J-18808-Ljbffr