Purpose of the job

• The purpose of the planning manager position is to manage a business unit  or division’s inventory in such a way that an optimum balance is achieved between service and stock levels which will optimise sales and company profits in the long term.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to and leverage business unit growth opportunities
• Ensure alignment and support the overall Business Unit strategy
• Set and manage merchandise KPI’‘s in support of the overall Business Unit financial objectives
• Set planning strategy for the FMCG Business Unit and align towards company Planning & Supply Chain strategy
• Achieve operational results/Operational effectiveness
• Focus on our internal customers: Buying, Finance , Marketing , Sales and Supply Chain
• Ongoing focus and management of the sales , inflow and stock plans
• Sign-off and management of promotional plan with buying team
• Play a support leadership role to FMCG senior leadership team and a lead to the FMCG planning team
• Play a support role to foster good supplier relationships

Requirements

• Relevant Commercial Tertiary Qualification
• A minimum of five years relevant retail planning experience (FMCG experience will be advantageous, but not a requirement)
• Understanding of buying & supply chain processes within the FMCG industry will be advantageous, but not a requirement
• Extensive retail knowledge and experience (market understanding & product knowledge)
• Senior Planning/ Management experience and an in-depth understanding of the planning process
• A Good knowledge of Planning systems and merchandise reporting is essential (  e.g. product EP planning and forecasting )
• PC literacy is essential for both Microsoft & Google Cloud
• Competencies required: Good Leadership skills supported by strong managerial skills ,  mature with well developed interpersonal and relationship building skills. Presentation & facilitation skills; Negotiation skills,, Decision making abilities & sound business acumen