Our client is a company of people who like to forge their own path. They invented the blue jean in 1873 and reinvented khaki pants in 1986. They pioneered labor and environmental guidelines in manufacturing. And they work to build sustainability into everything they do. Their brands stand for freedom and self-expression around the world.

Main Purpose

The purpose of this position is to provide strong analytical skills to inform buys & inventory management for each channel. The role will agree on strategic directions from Cluster Leads, working closely with merchants, the sales/commercial team & Finance in the market to validate the optimum assortment for each channel/business model. This is an IC role for the Retail channel & Team management for Wholesale, Allocations & IM Planning.

Key Results:

- Drive execution of assortment at a store level by ensuring the availability of PC9’s as planned.
- Define units to support the sales plan.
- Ensure item plan accuracy.
- Improve overall margin/profitability of the assortment.
- Conduct business performance reviews and implement actions.
- Manage in-season performance.
- Lead & drive inventory management KPIs for the market.

Key Responsibilities:

- Manage a team of 3-4 to support all Planning and Allocation activities in South Africa and drive Inventory management KPI – EOP, Turns & ageing inventory targets.
- Maintain and align Buy Budget with Affiliate, reconciling PC9 count to space.
- Ensure high productivity per store through managing the allocations and ensuring initial Merch is in line with the plan as well as active in Sn Management.
- Collaborate with merch and retail to define the optimum assortment to achieve sales plans by Planning Group/Segment as well as Partnering in AUR Growth with Merch.
- Validate option counts to support best practice visual merchandising in stores (Merch Flow).
- Review sizes offered and size shares to reduce stock outs and optimize sales.
- Work with Finance/Commercial to establish category mix, AUR, and revenue targets.
- Maintain Item Plan in SAS within forecast accuracy targets.
- Support Internal Keep Drop for Factory MOQ.
- Drive Supply and Demand reconciliation with IM & FG planning.
- Validate and manage SRT/AGR requests and processes.
- Ensure sizing accuracy in Override Profiles (quick resolution of 99X99 report from the sizing team).
- Proactive in-season management of promotions needed to mitigate risks and identify closeouts to drive high productivity per store.
- Proactively manage returns to optimize profitability of aged inventory and Outlet Stock levels.
- Review business performance weekly/monthly/quarterly/seasonally to identify actions needed to optimize sales.
- Propose actions needed to hit inventory targets and ensure implementation of agreed actions.
- Proactive re-forecasting of Core Nos monthly.
- Support identification of PC9’s to support Jobber Deals where needed.
- Create hindsight to inform future buys.
- Prepare & lead Investment Review discussions with cross-functional teams seasonally.
- Promote standardization across SA-MEA of processes and tools wherever possible.
- Be a fast adopter of new tools.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Proven experience working in a Retail Planning role in an apparel business.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in merchandise planning & inventory management.
- Demonstrated forecasting/planning expertise.
- Proven ability to lead a team.
- Effective multi-tasker, with strong ability to interact with multi-functional stakeholders.

Key Competencies:

- Growth Mindset
- Good Communication Skills
- Strong Planning and Organizing skills
- Commercial Acumen
- Ability to collaborate with different stakeholders across many functions
- Assertiveness
- Proven facilitation skills
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Sound decision-making and problem-solving
- Influencing skills