Job Description The Planner III is responsible for the financial and strategic management of product categories, driving sales performance, optimising inventory, and leading best‑practice planning across the business. The role plays a critical part in projecting future sales, shaping product strategy, and mentoring the Merchandise Planning Team to deliver commercial results aligned to the target market and business objectives. Responsibilities Drive product efficiencies and key measures – sales, markdown, inventory, sales margin, including markdown proposal and action Develop category strategic, tactical, and operational plans to achieve set targets and influence implementation of change to achieve company goals/objectives Mentor the Merchandise Planning Team and provide guidance and support to team members Project future sales into key categories, ensure effective sales projections, and optimise planning processes Manage range assortments at store level in conjunction with the buyer, including replenishment of key lines Manage OTB allowance both in-season and forward budgets Implement distribution strategies and drive allocation and grading strategy with allocator Attend all appointments relating to product launches and selection throughout the year as specified Analyse and review previous week sales with the buying team, propose and drive actions for the week, and prepare and present performance in trade meetings Report on performance, initiatives and operational plans to management periodically (weekly, monthly, seasonally, and annually) Delivery management Team player and foster collaboration across buying, planning, marketing, VM and operations functions, including regular store visits as a team Qualifications Completed National Diploma or Degree Experience Must have a minimum of 3+ years’ experience as a Planner. A strong interest in retail and sound knowledge of supply chain processes. Strong proficiency in MS Office including Excel Proven experience working with planning or retail systems Experience translating fashion and market trends into commercial, executable plans is advantageous Retail experience transitioning into a Planning role is advantageous, providing strong understanding of in‑store realities Fast fashion experience is advantageous and well suited to a quick turn environment A strong understanding of fashion, trends, and the product lifecycle is advantageous Skills Analytical Processes Commercial Acumen Contract Management Customer Service Delivery Planning & Organising Policy & Procedures Market Research and Analysis Supplier Management Requirements Analysis Global Sourcing Strategic eCommerce Behaviours Builds Networks – establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships Drives Results – sets ambitious goals and takes focused action to achieve desired outcomes to deliver measurable results Ensures Accountability – takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets Financial Acumen – understands and applies financial concepts and principles to make informed financial decisions Manages Complexity – interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems Plans and Aligns – develops plans and prioritises initiatives that align to the organisational goals and objectives Situational Adaptability – effectively adjusts their behaviour, approach, and decision‑making based on the situation Strategic Mindset – thinks and plans strategically, focusing on the long‑term goals and objectives of the organisation Employment Equity Preference will be given but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr