Job Description
The Planner III is responsible for the financial and strategic management of product categories, driving sales performance, optimising inventory, and leading bestÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂpractice planning across the business. The role plays a critical part in projecting future sales, shaping product strategy, and mentoring the Merchandise Planning Team to deliver commercial results aligned to the target market and business objectives.
Responsibilities
Drive product efficiencies and key measures - sales, markdown, inventory, sales margin, including markdown proposal and action
Developing category strategic, tactical, and operational plans to achieve set targets and be influential in the implementing of change to achieve company goals/objectives
Mentor the Merchandise Planning Team and provide guidance and support to team members
Project future sales into key categories, ensure effective sales projections, and optimise planning processes
Management of range assortments at store level in conjunction with the buyer, including replenishment of key lines and manage range assortments and replenishment
Manage OTB allowance both in-season and forward budgets
Implement distribution strategies and drive allocation and grading strategy with allocator
Attend all appointments relating to product launches and selection throughout the year as specified
Analysis and review of previous week sales with the buying team, propose and drive actions for the week, and prepare and present performance in trade meetings
Reporting on performance, initiatives and operational plans to management periodically (weekly, monthly, seasonally, and annually)
Delivery management
Team player and be able to foster collaboration across buying, planning, marketing, VM and operations functions, including regular store visits as a team
Qualifications
Completed National Diploma or Degree
Experience:
Must have a minimum of 3+ years' experience as a Planner.
A strong interest in retail and sound knowledge of supply chain processes.
Strong proficiency in MS Office including Excel
Proven experience working with planning or retail systems
Experience translating fashion and market trends into commercial, executable plans would be advantageous
Retail experience transitioning into a Planning role would be advantageous, providing strong understanding of inÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂstore realities
Fast fashion experience would be advantageous and well suited to a quick turn environment
A strong understanding of fashion, trends, and the product lifecycle would be advantageous
Skills:
Analytical Processes
Commercial Acumen
Contract Management
Customer Service Delivery
Planning & Organising
Policy & Procedures
Market Research and Analysis
Supplier Management
Requirements Analysis
Global Sourcing
Strategic eCommerce
Behaviours:
Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships
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
Financial Acumen - understands and applies financial concepts and principles to make informed financial decisions
Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems
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
Strategic Mindset - thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long-term goals and objectives of the organisation