Planner at takealot.com

The position reports to the Planning Manager
Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee the In-stock function including demand planning, ordering and capacity management in line with department strategy
• Deliver accurate insights and reports on a timely basis on which department managers can base commercial decisions and deliver on revenue and margin plans
• Create sustainable In-stock systems and processes in partnership with central analytics, technical and product teams
• Planning management to support department procurement cycles including but not limited to; seasonality, promotion planning, reaction, import purchasing & continual replenishment
• Develop & own the bottom up budgeting plan cycle and reviews in line with performance, margin, stock turn & departmental strategy objectives
• Own and compile the annual retail sales budget, quarterly plan, working plan as well as on-going reforecasting at category and product levels to ensure budgets are achieved
• Manage end to end inventory availability and inventory health including: improved in-stock rates (availability), inventory planning at categorisation, systematic forecasting, markdown and clearance provisions, return to supplier activities and warehouse space management
• Drive process improvement and operational excellence within our supplier base by reducing costs, defects, and lead times, while increasing innovation, automation, and economies of scale
• Drive complex business analysis that identifies opportunities to improve cost structure and profitability, focusing on continual contribution margin improvements.
• Support the operations team in delivering a world-class customer experience – monitor and scrutinise department returns, defects and write offs, supporting the customer service team on product queries and resolving any customer complaints

Attributes required:

• Strong willingness to learn
• Entrepreneurial / Commercial mindset

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma (Commerce, Finance, Mathematics or Economics degree preferable)
• 2 - 4 years Commercial / Retail experience specifically in Planning
• Proven track record in planning, inventory management and forecasting
• Proven track record in spend management (OTB, Margin management, mark down controls)
• Strong numerical and analytical aptitude, and high proficiency creating and managing advanced models
• Strong proficiency in using analytical tools (Microsoft Excel, SQL and statistical software
• Experience with process improvement techniques