Space Planner (Manager)

Vital Element (Pty) Ltd · Durban Region · R Undisclosed

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Seeking a dynamic Space Planning Manager to lead our Client's central office team in optimising retail space productivity across FMCG and grocery categories. This role balances the art and science of shopper psychology, category strategy, and commercial performance to deliver efficient shelf layouts that drive profitability and enhance customer experience.

Reporting to the Department Executive.

Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and mentor the Space Planning team, ensuring workload allocation, performance monitoring, and professional development
  • Retail Space Planning: Own macro, midi, and micro space planning, translating category strategies into effective shelf execution
  • Planogram Management: Deliver planogram refresh schedules, optimise fixtures, range-to-space allocation, and customer flow
  • Commercial Analysis: Analyse GP/SQM, GMROI, trading density, and stock density to maximise shelf productivity and profitability
  • Retail Analytics: Benchmark categories, segment stores, and identify opportunities through dashboards and reporting
  • Systems & Data: Utilise Blue Yonder/JDA (or similar), advanced Excel, and reporting tools to support space planning outputs
  • Category Integration: Collaborate with Buyers, Category Managers, Operations, and Suppliers to align strategies and execution
  • Supply Chain Optimisation: Enhance replenishment, reduce wastage, and improve product availability through space and inventory levers
  • Research & Strategy: Align market and category trends with SPAR's strategy, executing profitable returns at the point of purchase

Requirements

  • Minimum 3 years' experience leading a retail/space planning team (non-negotiable)
  • At least 2 years' experience in retail space planning or category space management within FMCG/Grocery retail
  • Strong track record in planogram development, shelf optimisation, and commercial space productivity metrics
  • Proficiency in Blue Yonder/JDA (or similar) and advanced Excel
  • Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence cross-functional teams
  • Degree in Marketing or related field preferred

Desired Skills

  • Space Planning Software
  • Merchandising strategy
  • Analytical
  • Problem solving
  • Customer-centric
  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Team leadership
  • Retail Planning
  • Category space management
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Space Planner (Manager) at Vital Element (Pty) Ltd — Durban Region · JobAlertsZA