Merchandise Planner

at  Pepkor Speciality

JOB DESCRIPTION

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Merchandise Planner in our Sneakers business. The Merchandise Planner is responsible for the delivery, implementation and management of the departmental business plans that support the merchandise strategy. Tekkie Town is looking for a self-confident, motivated, curious and resilient individual who can think laterally and who has strong analytical and proven numerical abilities.
They will need to have a successful track record in product and store planning to maintain and grow the above-mentioned portfolio in accordance with company strategy and market share objectives. Our ideal candidate will be self-motivated, passionate about performance and will have the high energy level required for this fast-paced, exciting, and dynamic retail environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Grade 12 certificate or equivalent is an essential requirement with a relevant Degree or Tertiary qualification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in product planning is essential preferably brand related and preferably with experience in branded products.
• Proficiency in the latest Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint & Outlook) and Google Suite are an important requirement.
• Strong knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, planning, logistics and stores.
• Proficient in Enterprise Resource Planning systems including Replenishment.
• A strong logical thinking and analytical ability with excellent numerical skills and the ability to be accurate and pay attention to detail.
• Has a high energy level and is performance-driven and deadline-orientated.
• Excellent planning, organizing and time management skills.
• Ability to remain flexible, function under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in a variety of circumstances.
• Ability to multi-task and deal with complexities, use initiative to solve problems.
• Ability to work independently, as well as be a team player.
• Sound communication and negotiation skills and must be honest and ethical in everything they do.

• Preparing and implementing merchandise business plans in support of the company strategy.
• Re-forecast seasonal sales based on previous performance to maximize profitability.
• Providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimize risk and optimise business opportunity.
• Preparing and delivering merchandise assortment plans.
• Range building in line with the departmental business plan.
• Post Seasonal Strategy – Analyse past seasons Performance to determine Proposed strategy.
• Managing Budgets – Ensure that all budgets are met as agreed in respect of sales, inflow margin, permanent and temporary price adjustments. Stock levels, stock turn and GMROII in accordance with seasonal strategy.
• Pre- Season Planning – Plan sales, markdowns, inflows and stock levels by category by week based on post- seasonal analysis. Trend info and comp shop SWOT analysis to roll up to company Strategic budget.
• Order/stock administration and control – Ensure orders are placed timeously and in line with agreed plan down to assortment criteria.
• Store planning – ability to plan align store plans with product plans and develop options plans and optimums to optimise inventory performance.
• Allocations – work closely with the Merchandise Allocators to execute strategic allocations to deliver store budgeted sales, gross profit and inventory productivity.
• Stock Management – Monitor that orders are placed timeously and in line with the agreed plan down to assortment criteria.
• Store stock management – Conduct regular store visits to keep in touch with store needs.
• Reviews - Prepare supporting information to be presented along with product for review.
• People Management
• Self-Management and Teamwork