Product Planner - Adult Merchandise

About the role

Ackermans is looking for an experienced planner to deliver, implement and manage departmental business plans that support the merchandise strategy for its ADULTS business unit. The ideal candidate understands merchandise products in a value retail business, is self-motivated, passionate about data-driven performance and able to keep up with the pace of a retail environment.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver and implement departmental business plans supporting the SBU's merchandise strategy.
• Manage departmental forecasts to achieve agreed growth and profitability.
• Prepare and deliver merchandise assortment plans aligned with the signed-off departmental strategy.
• Ensure sufficient inflows to maintain agreed replenishment service levels.
• Provide accurate and timely merchandise information to minimise risk and maximise opportunities.
• Execute and manage project plans where applicable.

Required profile

• Grade 12 certificate / Matric (essential).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of product planning experience in retail and/or FMCG, including replenishment and assortment planning, prior store planning and planning-systems experience.
• Preferred: B.Com/B.Sc. in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Stats or Business Science, or a National Diploma in Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting or Financial Information Systems.
• Preferred: 1-2 years of store management experience and exposure to logistics and supply chain processes.

Required skills

• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle (buying, planning, logistics, stores) and seasonal and non-seasonal replenishment.
• Understanding of the South African retail clothing market, customers and competitors.
• Advanced Excel is a prerequisite; proficiency is an asset.
• Commercial, analytical and numerical thinking, planning, organisation and time management, and effective communication.