Key Responsibilities:

• To influence and implement the merchandise strategy and develop a Merchandise financial plan by commodity for sales, stock margins, GP, PIS, closing stock and markdown
• Ensure desired outcomes are achieved, i.e. the right stock at the right store at the right time
• Balance a complex set of variables on an ongoing basis to ensure the financial outcome is achieved
• Capitalizing on opportunities for growth as well as stock turn and inventory improvement
• Forecast and plan flow in our factory.
• Manage the stock fulfilment through the @home DC.
• Drive local sourcing, supplier stockholding and packaging to improve DC throughput
• To compile and produce reports to ensure visibility of correct information in order to take corrective action to maintain and/or improve profitability
• Identify potential business risks (overselling, underselling, overstock, buying margin) and proposing corrective action and ensuring execution thereof
• Communication with stores and field
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of the business plan and an effective and efficient supply chain

Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant Tertiary qualification 
• Proven working experience as a Senior Planner (3 – 5 years essential) 

Skills: 

• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed and strategic approach to work
• In-depth knowledge of the planning process in retail
• Computer literacy in word, excel and planning systems
• Category management
• Strong business acumen and merchant thinking
• Good organisational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proven decision-making ability
• Strong affiliation to systems, utilising them to increase productivity in line with the merchandise strategy
• The ability to influence and work with internal stakeholders as well as external business partners with a strong focus on alignment across the various areas and team work