Ackermans Vacancies – Central Planning Analyst: Product – Kuils River

Job Purpose:
Ackermans is looking for a Central Planning Analyst: Product to enhance product profitability through strategic merchandise insights. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in supporting and governing our merchandise plans, aligning them with our overarching Merchandise Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Governance of Product Plans

• Review market share data and provide actionable insights.
• Contribute to the 5-year company plans (pre-season).
• Provide visibility into KPIs that impact proposed plans.
• Report on in-season deviations and identify risks at seasonal levels.
• Track growth metrics and monitor calendar shifts to align with business objectives.

Analysis and Merchandise Insights

• Deliver accurate basket insights to SBUs in line with strategic intent.
• Analyze and interpret RLC data.
• Offer stakeholders insights on market sales and strategic initiatives (monthly).
• Influence merchandising teams with data-driven insights to optimize the merchandise strategy.

Reporting

• Prepare and present monthly Management Pack and weekly merchandise deck on product performance.
• Provide ad hoc reports as needed.
• Continuously innovate reporting methods to stay relevant to internal stakeholders.

Governance of Planning Processes and Policies

• Maintain product hierarchy and ensure compliance with the company’s naming policy (bi-annually and before strategic intent).
• Create and update product planning processes and policies across merchandise divisions.
• Identify pressure points in policies and processes, implementing necessary updates.

Experience Required:

Essential:

• Minimum of 3+ years in product experience within the clothing retail industry.
• Experience with merchandise planning systems, particularly Merchandise Financial Plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and advanced Excel).

Preferred:

• 2-3 years of experience with assortment planning and replenishment.
• Familiarity with Business Intelligence Systems and basket analysis.
• Understanding of logistics and supply chain processes.

Skills Required:

• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Commercial acumen and merchant mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Conflict resolution and effective communication skills across all levels.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to detail, resilience, and a proactive approach.
• Assertive, deadline-oriented, and able to maintain a high level of initiative under pressure.

Qualifications Required:
Essential:

• Grade 12/Matric Certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Statistics, Business Science, or a related field, OR
• National Diploma in Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting, Financial Information Systems, Business/Retail/Merchandise Management, or Accounting/Finance.

Knowledge Required:

• Comprehensive understanding of the retail merchandise cycle, including Buying, Planning, Logistics, and Stores.
• Knowledge of SA’s retail clothing market, customer demographics, and competitive landscape.
• Proficiency in retail and merchandise planning processes, including seasonal and replenishment products.

Ready to drive product profitability and enhance Ackermans’ merchandise strategy? Apply today to join our team as a Central Planning Analyst: Product

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