Senior Planner – Apparel

Job Advert Summary

Join Woolworths as a Senior Planner based in Cape Town, Western Cape, and play a key role in shaping the future of fashion, beauty, and home merchandise planning. This dynamic position involves developing and executing integrated merchandise financial and assortment plans to meet KPIs and efficiently manage inventory. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to align departmental strategies with group goals, analyze sales data and market trends, and optimize inventory management. The role also includes coaching junior planners and fostering strong stakeholder relationships.

Woolworths offers a vibrant workplace committed to innovation, transformation, and sustainability, making it a proud South African brand. If you have 4-5 years’ fashion retail planning experience, strong analytical skills, and a passion for retail, apply now and contribute to delivering impactful customer experiences.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant business diploma or degree in Retail Business Management, BCom, Clothing Management, BScience, or equivalent work experience.
• 4-5 years of experience in fashion retail planning, including hands-on experience as a Planner.
• 2-3 years of people management experience, with demonstrated coaching and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in intermediate Excel for data analysis and presentation.
• Experience with retail planning and merchandising software such as Assort, PLM, and JDA.
• Comprehensive knowledge of retail, supply chain, and logistics processes.
• Proficient in retail math and calculation methodologies to support financial planning.
• Ability to develop and execute merchandise financial plans, assortment plans, and inventory management strategies aligned with business KPIs.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills to build strategic relationships across cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to transformation and employment equity in line with Woolworths’ diversity and inclusion goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated merchandise financial and assortment plans aligned with business KPIs and group strategy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prepare seasonal budgets, Open-to-Buy (OTB) strategies, and pricing architecture for approvals.
• Analyze historical sales data, market trends, and customer insights to inform merchandise planning and optimize inventory.
• Manage inventory levels by monitoring stock commitments, warehouse utilization, and intake flow to meet sales targets.
• Partner with Buying to develop balanced assortments, ensuring proper grade distribution and disciplined attribute application.
• Lead and mentor junior planners, supporting their development and adoption of new planning methodologies.
• Maintain planning administration in relevant retail systems, ensuring accuracy throughout the merchandise cycle.
• Engage in regular performance reviews, trade meetings, and competitive analysis to drive informed decision-making.
• Build and sustain strategic stakeholder relationships across departments to support business objectives.
• Champion Woolworths’ commitment to transformation and employment equity within the planning team.