Who we are and what we’re looking for
Yuppiechef is South Africa's premier kitchen and homeware omnichannel retailer. Based in Westlake, Cape Town, our big vision is to build the world's best shopping experience and to be leaders in omnichannel retail.
After recently being acquired by the Mr Price Group we are in a stage of growth where an experienced Head of Planning will lead our planning teams to drive forward our processes as well as our product portfolio's performance. Our Planning department spreads their focus across both the in-store and online shopping experiences of our customer and is critical in ensuring a delightful shopping experience. We focus on having the right product, at the right price, in the right place and at the right time.
The right candidate will have a significant strategic and people management responsibility as it will report to the Managing Director.
What your role looks like
Lead the planning, location and online planning function by developing and overseeing the execution of planning strategies, data analysis, system & process improvements. Direct financial analysis, inventory planning, location planning, allocations and replenishment of merchandise to maximise sales, gross margin and turnover for respective brands.
What experience and skills you need for the role
Minimum Requirements
Education: Degree, NQF level 8 or equivalent.
Experience: 8 to 10 years experience in planning with at least 3 years experience in a senior management position.
Specific knowledge: Advanced excel, proficient in word and PowerPoint, analytical & numerate proficiency, commercial acumen.
Business understanding: Retail market insights, business acumen, supply chain understanding, product knowledge, brand awareness.
Experience in process engineering and system project implementation would be advantageous.
Areas of Responsibility
Strategy
- Lead the development and execution of planning strategies (short and long term) to achieve targeted KPI's in line with strategic business objectives or their brands and/or departments.
- Contribute to the development and adjustment of business, product and resource strategies by providing direction and guidance on maximising profits whilst optimising stock.
Business Growth and Profitability
- Direct the development of seasonal financial plans for their brand and/or departments that ensures the balance between value, pricing, margin requirements and markdown management to maximise profits opportunities whilst mitigating risk and expenses.
- Lead in-season business reviews and reaction processes to ensure that trading is executed effectively.
- Drive the evaluation, enhancement and development of planning/merchandise systems and procedures to achieve current and future business imperatives.
Product Review
Lead and oversee balanced assortment planning (aligned to seasonal strategies) across categories and attributes to meet sales plans and targets across product and location hierarchies. This includes width and depth planning aligned to store profiles.
Analysis and Reporting
- Lead the development and improvement of performance analysis and reporting (w.r.t. purchase planning, stock ratios, etc.) to understand and project merchandise sales, margin and expense performance.
- Oversee the financial accuracy of sales forecasts and plans across brands and departments, accounting of historic missed opportunities and future trend changes across products, stores, channels and countries to provide direction, achieve sales targets and provide board commentary on this.
Stock Management
Direct stock planning, allocation, replenishment and control processes to:
- Ensure alignment to planned sales levels
- Account for store requirements and developments
- Maximise distribution / supplier efficiencies and
- Prevent overstock, stock ageing, markdowns and the financial impact of stock depreciation.
Leadership
- Manage and drive the team by setting clear and transparent expectations, to exhibit the culture and values of the business and achieve / exceed KPIs.
- Identify and drive training needs, coaching and development with a key focus on talent management, performance management and succession planning. Create a team culture that is responsive and professional meeting deadlines and providing a business focused service to internal/External customers.
Environment, Values, Pay & Benefits
Environment:
- We aim to build retail experiences that are inviting, enjoyable and easy for the customer. We want our stores to reflect that
- Good coffee is a must and we make sure every store is well equipped for a relaxing coffee area
Values:
People - Kindness and respect for everyone
Team - Honouring each other's strengths makes us all stronger
Excellence - Our best work always, no matter who’s watching
Integrity - We’re the same all the way through
Growth - We aren’t content to stand still
Fun - We take the time to enjoy each other and what we do
Pay and Benefits:
We pay competitive, market-related salaries based on skills and experience. Your salary is based on a “Total Cost To Company” model and includes:
-
Medical Aid Scheme (Discovery) contributions and Gap Cover
- Life, Death and Disability Insurance
- Retirement Annuity
- Employee Assistance program
- Staff Discount at all Yuppiechef and MRP Group stores
- 17 Days Paid Annual Leave increasing to 20 days with length of service.
Please note that preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
By applying for this role, I agree with the terms and conditions.
