Purpose of the role:
The Planner is responsible for driving sales and profitability through strategic category and merchandise financial planning. This includes overseeing sales, stock, open-to-buy (OTB), and margin to deliver a customer-focused assortment. The Planner combines historical performance data and future trends to create and execute strategies that optimize inventory, improve gross profit, and support business growth. This senior role requires a high level of strategic thinking, influencing cross-functional teams, and directing the work of junior planners. Additionally, the Planner is accountable for financial management, product planning, stock planning, OTB management, and gross profit margin management.
Role and responsibilities:
• Strategic Analysis and Action Planning
• Analyze financial KPIs and product performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead trade discussions and create actionable plans that maximize sales and profitability, with a focus on long-term strategy.
• Direct and collaborate with cross-functional teams (buying, allocation, admin, logistics, store ops, marketing, finance) to align on key opportunities and strategies.
• Lead teams of buyers, allocators, and admin functions to ensure seamless execution of range strategies.
• Liaise with buying and merchandising departments on style performance and provide strategic direction.
• Strategically manage stock levels, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives.
• Provide clear guidance on unspent OTB and effectively communicate with the buying team.
• Prepare trade documents and action plans in advance of meetings, ensuring all team members are aligned with strategic goals.
• Analyze weekly, monthly, and seasonal performance to guide strategic decision-making.
• Identify risks and opportunities across categories and propose actionable solutions.
• Oversee location management and store analysis to understand product offer, manage imbalances, and guide store performance strategy.
• Strategy Development and Planning:
• Inventory Management and Supply Chain Coordination
• Assortment Planning and Product Allocation
• Collaboration and Communication
Qualification and Experience:
• Grade 12 / Matric
• Relevant 3-year Degree or Diploma (e.g., Business, Retail Management, Supply Chain)
• 3-7 years of relevant Retail Planning experience, with a proven record in fashion apparel, accessories, and footwear
• Strong understanding of forecasting, budgeting, and retail KPIs
• Expertise in retail math, planning principles, and inventory management
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in planning tools
• Experience with relevant Planning software tools and BI tools
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’S):
• Sales vs. Plan
• Sales vs. Last year
• Gross Margin % and achievement vs. target
• Sell-through rates
• Accuracy of OTB management
• Stock Days and Cover management
• Markdown levels and aged stock performance
Skills and Competencies:
• Strong analytical and numerical ability
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and coordination skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English
• Commercial and strategic thinker with strong trading mentality
• Self-motivated and able to work independently under pressure
• Collaborative team leader with proven experience in driving high-performance teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and methodical approach to data handling
• Punctual, deadline-driven, and outcome-focused
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Reliability and consistency
• Adaptability
Why Join SENQU?
At SENQU, we believe every day is an adventure – and we want you to be part of it! We offer stability, growth opportunities, and a collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions make a real impact.
✅ Comfortable & Convenient Workplace
• On-site canteen and coffee barista
• Safe, secure parking
• On-site car wash
• Relaxation spaces: lounges, quiet rooms, outdoor seating
✅ Flexibility & Work-Life Balance
• Choice of 2 shifts to suit your schedule
• Early Friday closures to start your weekend
✅ Growth & Development
• Study assistance and in-house training
• Clear career progression pathways
✅ Employee Wellbeing
• Wellness days and wellbeing activities (Zumba, mindfulness, sports events)
• On-site massage therapist
✅ Recognition & Fun Culture
• Staff discounts from day one – Clothing Junction, SENQU, and Victory Lab
• Rewards, long service awards, and extra leave benefits after 5 years
• Employee recognition programmes and a dedicated Culture Committee
• Monthly activities: quizzes, themed events, wellness drives
• Quarterly “Family Meetings” with company updates and initiatives
• Team building events and celebrations for birthdays, milestones, and festive occasions
✅ Financial Extras
• Opportunity to earn performance incentives / bonuses – based on company results and individual KPI achievement
• Discretionary 13th cheque
This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and commercially minded Planner to make a real impact on our business. You will play a key role in shaping our product offerings, driving sales, and optimizing profitability across categories, while leading and inspiring a high-performing team. If you thrive in a fast-paced retail environment, enjoy turning data into actionable strategies, and are passionate about delivering exceptional results, we would love to hear from you.
If you have not heard from us within 14 days of submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful. We appreciate your interest in joining our team and wish you the best of luck in your job search.