The purpose of the planner is to forecast product needs based on sales histories and develop a product line plan that assures the profitability of a product category. Duties:
Forecasting and budget management
Accountable for planned revenue, forecast as well as achieving set budget by reviewing product lines and product line productivity, ensuring that there are enough items per product line to meet targets, suggesting items for last buy, identifying redundant stock as well as products for promotion.
Responsible for managing new product budget, by making sure that new product presented by buyer does not exceed budget.
Monitor and show responsibility on achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) (i.e. sales plan, gross profit, cost reductions, stock turns, and closing stock). Assess and highlight areas of positive performance and identify areas where improvement is required, and implement appropriate action for their area of control
Management of product line per category
Responsible for managing the current stock on record and product life cycle by conducting research, analysing consumer trends, looking for opportunities within Barron competitors as well as working with the buyer to develop features in existing products to suit specific target markets.
Stock management according to sales
Plan stock level requirements according to forecast and budgeted stock turns
Manage clearance at appropriate times
Assess performance weekly of SKU's and manage stock levels up and down in order to meet required sales
Analyse and evaluate key performance indicators (i.e. sales plans, cost reductions, forward covers, Chain Sales to Stock Ratio (CSS) and stockturn). Consider trends, supplier efficiency and lead times when under their area of control reviewing recommendations
Required:
Qualification
NQF 7: degree in finance/ economics / supply chain management
Knowledge
Financial modelling
Forecasting and product management
Product cycle management
Data management
Financial acumen
Merchandise cycle
Managing budgets
Range construction
Experience
Product planner 3-5 years
Wholesale or retail experience 3-5 years
Experience with financial forecasting of a product range 2-3 years
