Product Planner Opportunity at Ackermans

As a Product Planner at Ackermans, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the merchandise strategy for specific portfolios within the dynamic value retail environment. This position demands a blend of analytical prowess, commercial acumen, and strategic thinking to ensure optimal product assortment, inventory levels, and profitability. You will be instrumental in translating market insights and business objectives into actionable plans, directly influencing the success of product categories and contributing to the company's overall growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivering and implementing departmental business plans that support the SBU’s merchandise strategy. This involves deep analysis of market trends, consumer behaviour, and sales data to formulate comprehensive plans that align with the broader Strategic Business Unit's merchandise goals, ensuring a competitive edge in the value retail sector.
• Managing departmental forecasts to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan. You will continuously monitor sales performance, adjust forecasts based on real-time data, and implement strategies to meet or exceed financial targets, optimising stock turns and minimising markdown risk.
• Preparing and delivering merchandise assortment plans that support the signed-off departmental business strategy. This includes selecting the right mix of products, sizes, and colours to meet customer demand, ensuring a balanced and appealing offering that drives sales and enhances the customer experience.
• Ensuring sufficient inflows to maintaining agreed replenishment service levels to achieve agreed departmental growth and profitability as per the Business Plan. You will manage the supply chain to ensure products are available when and where needed, preventing stock-outs and overstocking, which is critical for maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimise risk and optimise business opportunities. This involves generating detailed reports, analysing performance metrics, and presenting insights to stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making and proactive responses to market changes.
• Executing and managing project plans to achieve the agreed objectives (if applicable). You will take ownership of specific projects, coordinating resources and timelines to ensure successful completion, contributing to strategic initiatives and process improvements within the planning department.

Why Join the Company

Joining Ackermans means becoming part of a leading value retailer in South Africa, a company committed to providing quality products at affordable prices. You will be part of a dynamic and fast-paced environment where your contributions directly impact business strategy and customer satisfaction. Ackermans fosters a culture of growth, offering opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a supportive team. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, gaining invaluable insights into the retail merchandise cycle, and contributing to a brand that serves millions of South Africans. The company values resilience, collaboration, and initiative, providing a platform for you to hone your skills and make a significant impact.

How to Apply

Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page.

• Grade 12 certificate / Matric
• B. Comm./ B. Science degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Stats and Business Science OR National Diploma majoring in Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting OR National Diploma in Financial Information Systems (Preferred)
• Knowledge of the retail merchandise cycle with regards to Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores
• Knowledge of seasonal & non-seasonal replenishments
• Knowledge of the SA retail clothing market, customers and competitors
• Sound commercial thinking & numerical skills
• Analytical thinking & logical problem-solving skills
• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Planning, organising & time management skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Resilience, agility, and the ability to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure
• Collaboration skills, fostering a shared vision, and positively influencing decision-making in a team setting
• Flexibility to function effectively under pressure and maintain a positive attitude and work performance in diverse circumstances
• Self-motivation, a sense of responsibility, and pride in one's work
• Methodical and detail-oriented approach, ensuring accuracy in tasks
• Effective communication skills across all levels
• Strong sense of integrity in professional conduct
• Deadline-oriented mindset
• Assertiveness in handling tasks and responsibilities
• A minimum of 3-5 years previous experience in product planning within a relevant retail and/or FMCG environment is essential
• Replenishment and assortment planning experience
• Prior store planning experience
• Previous store management experience (1 – 2 years)
• Previous exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes
• Experience working in planning systems
• Experience working with the most recent Microsoft software, including Word and Excel, is a prerequisite. Proficiency in advanced Excel usage would be an asset.