Planning Manager Opportunity

An exciting and challenging opportunity, based at our Support Center in Kuils River, has just become available for a Planning Manager within our ACK Home SBU.

We are looking for a resilient, efficient and influential individual with a compelling commercial flair, who can add strategic value to our business by being responsible for the delivery and management of the SBU’s merchandise and location plans to support the Company’s sales and profit objectives.

This position for Planning Manager, reporting directly to the Planning Director, is an exciting and challenging opportunity that will require the successful candidate to contribute significantly to enabling the business to achieve its long-term strategic objectives and profitability indicators.

QUALIFICATIONS AND LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Grade 12 certificate – this is a minimum requirement
• B. Comm. / B. Science/ Commercial/ Logistics Degree or National Diploma in Financial Information Systems – this would be a definite advantage
• 5 – 7 years of merchandise planning experience of which at least 2 years is at a senior level within a clothing retail environment – this an important requirement
? Previous managerial experience would be preferred
? Previous replenishment planning experience is essential
? Sound experience working in planning systems such as Arthur Planning, Enterprise Planning, Location Planning, Assortment Planning, Allocation Planning and/or Just Enough
? Previous exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes
? A working knowledge of the latest Microsoft packages is essential. Excel knowledge is required at an advanced level

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores
• Knowledge of Replenishments – principles & methodologies
• Knowledge of specific company planning strategies
• An understanding of retail business systems and related processes
• A comprehensive knowledge of the SA retail market, customers and competitors
• Excellent numerical skills
• Sound analytical & problem-solving skills
• Decision making skills, together with sound judgement
• The ability to influence across various levels and functions within the business
• The ability to communicate effectively at all levels both within, as well as outside the company
• Merchant skills & a sound commercial mentality
• General management skills
• People management, team management & leadership skills
• Sound strategic thinking skills
• Exceptional planning, organising & time management skills
• Conflict management skills
• Negotiation skills
• High-level presentation skills
• The ability to be resilient, have tenacity and maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure
• Networking skills & the ability to be resourceful
Key Responsibilities KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Delivering the consolidated SBU seasonal merchandise plans, location plans, assortment plans and monthly forecasts to the relevant stakeholders
• Consistently ensuring that the execution of consolidated SBU seasonal merchandise plans, location plans and assortment plans meet the specified KPIs
• Providing accurate and on-time business information, aligning actions and managing deviations in order to achieve agreed merchandise objectives
• Cost-effectively managing expenses within the approved budget
• Developing and influencing cross-functional partnerships with all key stakeholders
• Managing the SBU structure and placements (people) within the team to maximize productivity and achieve SBU objectives
• Developing and empowering the SBU planning team by implementing sound people management practices, employee relations and a climate and culture of high performance
Other Applicants will need to be prepared to undergo evaluations / assessments and interviews if and as required.

Click here to apply online