Senior Planning Manager

Introduction

The role reports directly to the CTM Tile Range Manager and is responsible for the management of stock across stores nationwide. The incumbent will create and manage stock plans at merch category level, monitor stock levels and total stock holding and ensure that stock is in the correct stores, at the correct time, and in the correct quantities. The role works extensively with Operational Leaders, Suppliers (Internal and External), as well as stores nationwide. The incumbent will be expected to provide rolling forecasts to suppliers, manage aged stock within the business, and ensure that assortments at store level are correct and cater to the target market. The successful candidate will need to work with a high level of independency and accountability. Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities

·        Oversee the planning department from an operational and strategic perspective, driving performance, accountability and continuous improvement ·        Collaborate with the CTM Tile Range Manager to set annual stock holding, stock turn, sales, inventory and GP targets ·        Manage replenishment settings to ensure stores carry the right stock, at the right time, in the right quantities ·        Oversee product lifecycle planning, including new launches, phase-outs, discontinued lines, promotional stock and clearance activity ·        Provide rolling forecasts and stock plans to suppliers to support production, replenishment and phase-out requirements ·        Track in-stocks, orders, back orders, lead times and supplier service levels, ensuring timely corrective follow-up where required ·        Use historical data and Operational Leader input to ensure store assortments are aligned to local target markets ·        Work with Operational Leaders to manage aged stock within agreed targets and support execution of reduction plans ·        Design and maintain KPI reporting, financial review packs, board updates and ad-hoc analysis required by the business ·        Use ERP, planning systems, Excel and BI/reporting tools to analyse trends, identify exceptions and support data-led commercial decisions ·        Collaborate with Visual Merchandise on revamps and relocations to ensure assortments and stock levels support strategic objectives ·        Conduct regular store visits to support execution of promotions, assortment improvements and aged-stock reduction ·        Drive a collaborative, high-performance planning culture that supports broader Italtile Group alignment

Desired Experience & Qualification

·        Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or related field ·        Minimum 8 years’ experience in retail planning with at least 3 years at senior level ·        Commercially sound and analytical ·        The ability to understand and interpret business reports and financial statements to make sound business decisions that aid in achieving KPI’s ·        Must be a self-starter that is solution oriented with high attention to detail ·        Must be able to multi-task and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment ·        Drive accountability and results through the team to achieve results ·        Must be a team player to work with various stakeholders as well as drive the growth of the planning team members ·        Excellent communication skills