Merchandise Planner

**Purpose of the Job**:
The purpose of the Planner role is to develop and execute a product strategy, in conjunction with the Buyer and Departmental Management, to ensure increased sales, improved margins and optimal inventory levels. The role formulates and manages the quantitative aspects of product procurement from budget to execution stage. The Merchandise Planner role further identifies out of line situations and trends by conducting ongoing analyses and proposing feasible action steps to correct the out of line situation.

**Job Objectives**:
Perform on-going merchandise performance analyses for the area of responsibility, by analysing the current performance against budgeted values including sales, margin, and stock metrics such as stock turn and stock to sales ratio.

Investigate over and under performance to identify root cause and thereby find opportunities to extend the over or correct the underperformance.

Propose the merchandise budget for the financial year and obtain approval of the proposed budgeted values.

Work together with the Buyers, Senior Buyers and Replenishment team to ensure the creation of balanced assortment plans at store level.

Review and manage store clustering on an ongoing basis, by performing turnover and demographic analyses to ensure stores are correctly clustered.

Review and maintain the cluster ranging on an ongoing basis to ensure the availability of balanced ranges at store level.

Manage the execution of the approved budget for the financial year for the area of responsibility.

Perform ongoing analyses throughout the financial year to identify out of line situations and propose corrective action.

Manage item life cycle and collaborate with Buyers for the discontinuation and clearance of 'end of range' articles.

Analyse post promotional and event data to determine any lost or missed opportunities and improve future promotional forecasts.

Perform ongoing engagement with the Store and DC Replenishment team to ensure that the current approved Merchandise Strategy is executed throughout the supply chain.

Assist and support with internal projects and tasks as business demands and needs requires.

**Qualifications**:
Business Degree or Diploma in Economics, Supply Chain or a related field - (essential)

**Experience**:
+3 years’ experience in a Merchandise Planner role with demonstrable knowledge and experience managing a sizeable planning portfolio within a large retail organisation - (essential).

SAP Retail / Buying experience - (desired).

Arthur / Enterprise Planning experience - (desired)

**Knowledge and Skills**:
Strong knowledge and understanding of buying, supply chain and retail operations processes - (essential).

Strong knowledge of economic trends and its impact on consumer spending - (essential).

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 with an advanced level of Excel skill - (essential)

Excellent analytical and numerical skills to analyze trends and related market data to translate data and insights into commercial decisions and plans that maximises category margin and stock efficiencies, drives promotional activity and effective assortment planning and supports business strategy.

Strong business acumen and trader instinct with an understanding of how retail operates and the issues and risks that drive success and impact commercial excellence.

Highly detailed orientated - Pays close attention to detail while remaining accurate in the analysis of large datasets.

Results-driven and organised - Proactively drives results, sets goals for self and others, remains focused, manages time and deadlines efficiently while working tenaciously towards meeting and exceeding budget expectations.

Motivated self-starter with good energy and drive and a “can do” attitude.

Able to communicate effectively, converting complex concepts into simple, well-articulated and compelling messages while conveying insights, rationale and ideas in a way that gains commitment.

Able to work under pressure, responds quickly to challenging situations and learns new coping strategies. Alters normal procedures to remain productive and achieve results. Ensures the quality of their work is not impacted when working under pressure. Maintains confidence and performance in the face of challenges

Collaborative partner with strong personal influence - Works collaboratively across functions including buyers, stores, suppliers, replenishment supply chain teams to resolve issues and come up with solutions. Builds sound relationships both internally and externally and manages stakeholder expectations well.

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