Head of Retail Planning

The Head of Retail Planning will shape inventory and stock management at a national level for an established South African retailer in the stationery industry. This management role offers the opportunity to influence the entire supply chain, from demand forecasting to store execution, ensuring optimal stock levels and maximized profitability across all categories.

What You'll Do:

• Build, manage, and govern Open-to-Buy (OTB) processes for all retail categories.
• Lead weekly WSSI reviews to monitor stock flow and sales performance.
• Drive forecast accuracy, set cover targets, and establish inventory guardrails.
• Lead weekly trade meetings to align on stock deployment and category performance.
• Own the Sales and Operations Planning process, integrating demand, supply, inventory, and financial targets.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Merchandising to align cross-functional priorities.
• Define forecasting hierarchies, clustering, and replenishment policies.
• Approve major in-season pivots based on market demand shifts.
• Oversee pricing architecture, promotional planning, and markdown strategies.
• Track margin leakage and implement corrective actions.
• Manage inventory investment, aged stock, and stock exit strategies.
• Partner with Merchandising on SKU rationalization and space planning.
• Establish planning rhythms, tools, and processes supporting national operations.
• Develop and lead a high-performing planning team, building internal capability.
• Drive accountability and ensure execution across merchandising, supply chain, and operations.
• Collaborate with Finance, Marketing, Property, and other stakeholders to align on strategic initiatives.
• Build capacity for seasonal peak demand planning and forecast accuracy.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and analytical rigor.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in retail planning or related roles.
• Proven expertise in analysis, optimization, and strategic inventory management.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, supply chain, and merchandising functions.
• Proficiency in planning tools, analytics, and forecasting methodologies.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Nice to Have:

• Experience working with DotActiv or similar planning software.
• Knowledge of market trends and customer insights in South Africa.

This role will suit an analytically and commercially minded Retail Planning professional, who is excited about implementing and informing new strategies that will have immediate commercial impact.

This is a full time role based out of the head office and will require travel from time to time.