Planning Manager

Job Description

The Planning Manager is strategically accountable for leading the end-to-end delivery and management of all business merchandise, location, and assortment plans that fuel Refinery’s top-line sales, margin growth, and bottom-line profit objectives.

As a key leader reporting directly to the CEO: Refinery & AYANA, you will drive the overarching planning strategy, lead and empower a high-performing merchandise planning team, optimise supply chain velocity, and ensure accurate data insights transform into profitable retail execution across all store formats.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate, deliver, and execute consolidated seasonal merchandise, location, and assortment plans aligned to business objectives.
• Drive net margin optimisation and accurate monthly forecasting to exceed target growth and profitability.
• Lead seasonal range reviews with robust supportive analytics, size curve optimisation, and critical path execution.
• Drive total stock turns across seasonal/non-seasonal apparel, footwear, and accessories.
• Execute clear markdown and clearance strategies to minimize aged/obsolete inventory and maximize cash flow.
• Manage closing stock on hand and ensure store allocation strategies reflect localized customer demand.
• Provide accurate, timeous merchandise planning reports and forecasts to optimise business opportunities and manage risk.
• Leverage data insights to proactively manage performance deviations and refine assortment depth.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a high-energy, empowered planning and allocation team.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and succession readiness.
• Collaborate closely with Buying, Marketing, Operations, IT, and Distribution Centers to ensure supply chain alignment.

Qualifications

• Relevant Degree / Diploma in Merchandising, Retail Management, B.Comm, B.Sc, or Business Management.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• 5–8 years of merchandise planning experience in clothing/footwear retail, with at least 2–3 years at a Senior Management level.
• Strong experience in leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and driving stock turn optimisation.
• Extensive experience in retail planning systems and logistics workflow coupled with proficiency in either Excel or Google Sheets at an advanced level.
• Deep understanding of retail merchandise cycles, margin drivers, and local market trends.
• Ability to synthesise complex data into clear action plans and motivate team execution.
• Resilient, adaptable under pressure, and highly thorough with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills to build impactful relationships across Operations, Supply Chain, and Store teams.