Space Planning Manager – Durban

About the role

Our client, a leading national grocery retailer, is seeking an experienced Space Planning Manager to lead and develop their Space Planning function in Durban. This strategic, commercially‑focused role will maximise store space productivity, align plans with shopper behaviour and category strategy, and drive overall business performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the Space Planning team to deliver accurate, effective space plans.
• Manage the planogram refresh schedule, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Design and implement space‑planning methods, processes and systems to improve utilisation and productivity.
• Analyse macro, midi and micro‑space elements, including layouts, adjacencies, flows and product placement.
• Monitor financial and space‑productivity metrics such as GP/sqm, GMROI, trading density and stock density.
• Use dashboards, reporting and data analysis to support commercial and operational decisions.
• Research market and category trends, integrating insights into space‑planning strategies.
• Collaborate with Buyers, Planners, Category Managers, Store Development, Operations, Distribution Centres and Logistics.
• Manage stakeholder relationships with internal teams, suppliers and external space‑planning partners.
• Lead cross‑functional optimisation projects and standardise tools and processes.

Required profile

• Marketing degree.
• 5+ years in a senior management role within space planning, category management, retail or a related commercial environment.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen.
• Proven leadership and people‑management experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to drive execution, compliance and continuous improvement.
• Customer‑shopper focus with the ability to translate data into commercial decisions.

Required skills