Senior Planner - JD Sports

The Planner III is responsible for, projecting future sales into key categories, and optimizing planning processes. This includes managing range assortments and replenishment, implementing distribution strategies, and providing guidance and support to team members.

• Manage range assortments and replenishment, ensuring availability of key lines

• Drive product efficiencies and key measures including sales, markdown, inventory and sales margin.

• Developing category strategic, tactical, and operational plans to achieve set targets

• Development and management of range assortment at store level in conjunction with the buyer

• Manage OTB allowance both in-season and forward budgets

• Attend all appointments relating to product launches and selection throughout the year as specified

• Analysis and review of previous week sales with the buying team and propose and drive actions for the week

• Preparation and presentation of performance in trade meetings

• Reporting on performance, initiatives and operational plans to management periodically (weekly, monthly, seasonally, and annually)

• Team player who can foster collaboration across buying, planning, marketing, VM and operations functions.

• Be influential in the implementing of change to achieve company goals/objectives

• Drive allocation and grading strategy with allocator

• Inventory delivery management

• Develop markdown proposals and drive corrective actions.

• Conduct regular store visits.

• Diploma, Graduate Degree, or Post Graduate Degree 

• At least 5 years of proven working experience as a Planner (sports/branded goods advantageous)

• Sound understanding of the retail cycle and planning process 

• A good working knowledge of the current computer software packages including Microsoft office

• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed, and strategic approach to work Skills:

• Strong business acumen and merchant thinking

• Excellent planning, organisational and interpersonal skills

• Proven decision-making ability

• A high degree of numeracy and an analytical, detailed, and strategic approach to work

• Excellent time management skills

• Good communication skills

• Good judgement and problem-solving skills

• Negotiation Skills

Behaviours:

• Being Resilient - rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

• Building Effective Teams - forms, develops and leads a group of individuals toward the achievement of a common team objective

• Builds Networks - establishes and nurtures internal and external relationships in order to create robust, and mutually beneficial, partnerships

• Cultivates Innovation - creates an environment that fosters and nurtures a culture of creativity which drives success

• Decision Quality - consistently makes timely, well-rounded and informed decisions

• Drives Engagement - inspires, motivates and empowers individuals to go above and beyond for the benefit of the team and the organisation

• Ensures Accountability - takes accountability and ensures others are held to account on agreed upon performance targets

• Manages Complexity - interprets and simplifies complex and contradictory information when resolving organisational problems

• Organisational Savvy - understands and navigates dynamics created by processes, systems, and people

• 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

Preference will be given but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.