Merchandise PlannerOur client in the Retail Industry requires the services of a Merchandise Planner to join their product team to develop and implement merchandise financial plans to optimise sales growth and merchandise profitability.Duties & ResponsibilitiesKey performance areas:Development of the businesses planning function and associated processes to support ongoing merchandise profit growth and team alignment across merchandise strategic plans.Prepare timely merchandise category budgets values that support the brand's product and retail plans.Work alongside the product team to create a balanced assortment buying plan that supports category financial plans and ensures sufficient in-branch option availability across categories.Prepare analysis and lead timely merchandise performance reviews to identify and act upon opportunities and interventions for positive performance improvement.Maintain category monthly financial plans that support financial targets, trading trends and optimise performance. Ensure required resultant interventions from plan updates are communicated and actioned.Manage item life-cycle stages with the product and retail teams to ensure appropriate buying quantifications and discontinuation strategies are implemented.Monitor merchandise systems including sales and inventory data to ensure accuracy of reporting and interpretation thereof.Effective communication and interpersonal impact to ensure broader team clarity and alignment around the merchandise planning objectives, inputs and outcomes.Assist and support with internal projects and tasks as business demands and needs require.Desired Experience & QualificationThe successful candidate must have:Matric with a relevant tertiary degree.Minimum of 4 years' experience in a planner and/or relevant buying role.Strong knowledge and experience across buying, supply-chain and retail processes.Proven knowledge and experience across merchandise budgeting and dynamic forecasting, including replenishment and planning methodologies.Proven knowledge and experience across merchandise assortment and range plan development.Excellent numerical and analytical skills with strong data handling capabilities.Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 with an advanced level of Excel skills.Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.Package & RemunerationTo be discussed during the interview stage.
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