Omnichannel Merchandise Planning Manager

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 Planning Manager 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 Head of Planning of Yuppiechef.  

What your role looks like

As a Merchandise Planning Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of our merchandise planning efforts. You will lead the planning team, ensuring the development and execution of effective merchandise plans that align with our business strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic vision, analytical expertise, and leadership skills to enhance and streamline our merchandise processes to enable the planning team to meet their KPI’s.

Our Planning team does not work in isolation and a love of building strong collaborative relationships with our Buying team, Marketing team and external Suppliers must be a key part of your working style. 

Who you are

Besides being an experienced merchandise planner with a working knowledge of complex inventory environments, you need at least three years of people management experience. We are looking for a manager who is agile, adaptable and resilient. Who can simplify complex processes or tasks and has clear and cohesive communication skills. They must be a quick learner with excellent leadership skills.

What experience and skills you need for the role

Ideally you should have: 

• At least 10 years of retail planning experience 

• A minimum of 3 years experience in successfully managing planners 

• Exemplary numerical and analytical skills with the ability to logically scenario plan from the data provided. 

• Highly comfortable working across numerous computer based programmes as well as building your own databases in Excel 

• This role directly impacts the financial performance of the business and so a strong understanding of business finance terminology and metrics is essential 

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  • Understanding of how retail metrics are influenced by decisions taken by a Planning function. 
  
  
  • Strong relationship and communication skills effectively demonstrated across various internal and external customer groups. 
  
  
  
  

• Experience in retail / e-commerce and a passion for the products we sell is clearly beneficial. 

• Experience in special projects and process development 

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.