Marketplace Planner

JOB DESCRIPTIONMarketplace Planner

You’re an original. So are we.

We’re a company of people who like to forge our own path. We invented the blue jean in 1873, and we

reinvented khaki pants in 1986. We pioneered labor and environmental guidelines in manufacturing. And we work to build sustainability into everything we do. Our brands stand for freedom and self- expression around the world.

Marketplace Planner (Merchandise and Wholesale)

Main Purpose

The incumbent will collaborate with Merchants and Sales teams across various banners in wholesale, DTC, and the broader African region to ensure an optimal assortment for every planning group in line with strategy. The main tasks will include optimizing the assortment to achieve targeted sell thru as well as ensure visual excitement for our consumer via a newness sense check and in season management.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Merchandise Planning

• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of the item plan in SAS.
• Conduct in-season management to optimize marketplace performance.
• Evaluate and manage inventory health, improving plan accuracy (esp core PC9’s)
• Perform business performance and trend analysis to inform strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with merchants and sales teams to align assortments with overall strategy and margin/profitability targets.

Wholesale Planning

• Align buy budgets with affiliates and collaborate with merchants and commercial teams to define optimum assortments that meet sales plans by planning group/segment.
• Validate option counts to support visual merchandising best practices in stores.
• Review sizes and size shares to minimize stockouts and optimize sales.
• Drive in-season management strategies, including promotions and closeout actions, to mitigate risks and enhance sales performance.
• Proactively manage returns to maximize profitability of aged inventory.
• Maintain accuracy in SAS for item plans and reforecast core products monthly.
• Collaborate on quarterly sell-in tools and identify opportunities for jobber deals.
• Promote standardization across clusters for processes and tools and support the adoption of new tools.

Key Results

• Achieve sell-through targets.
• Drive margin and profitability improvements across product assortments.
• Maintain high levels of accuracy in forecasting and planning tools.
• Optimize inventory health through strategic size management and in-season adjustments.

Competencies and Skills

Specialized Knowledge/Technical Skills

• Proven experience in retail and wholesale planning within the apparel industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in forecasting, analytics, and quantitative decision-making.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and analytics tools such as Tableau or Power BI.

Decision Making and Problem Solving

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to interact with multi-functional stakeholders effectively.
• Innovative problem-solving skills with a focus on delivering results.

Communication and Collaboration

• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Clear and concise communicator with the ability to present detailed analyses effectively.
• Ability to collaborate across various teams, including finance, sales, and merchandising.

Attitude and Mindset

• Growth mindset and proactive approach to challenges.
• Customer-focused and results-oriented.
• Team player willing to share best practices and contribute to organizational success.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in commerce, sciences, or a related field.
• 6+ years of experience in merchandise and/or wholesale planning roles within an apparel business.
• Strong background in retail math’s & analytics.
• Effective multi-tasking skills and experience working in a fast-paced environment.

Should you meet all the above requirements and wish to apply for the vacancy, please send your CV directly to [email protected]. Please also inform your Line Manager of your intent to apply for the position prior to the submission of your application.

Applications close: 15 February 2025

As a responsible employer, Levi Strauss SA (Pty) Ltd is committed to and understands its responsibilities in terms of the Employment Equity Act of 1998. LSSA (Pty) Ltd is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all individuals

LOCATIONSouth Africa, Cape Town - OfficeFULL TIME/PART TIMEFull timeCurrent LS&Co Employees, apply via your Workday account.