About the position
Introduction
A core function of the Team Lead Planner is to understand the strategic objectives of the business and drive the implementation of an operating plan within the relevant planning team to achieve it. Part of the Team Lead Planner's responsibilities is to manage and guide operational planning teams and ensure the use of standardized processes, tools and reports required to perform planning responsibilities and reach availability, sales, working capital and stakeholder engagement KPIs. The Team Lead Planner must also ensure effective integration and communication across all cross-functional teams and external stakeholders and drive their teams to contribute to and execute sales strategies and trade plans.
Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Sales/Promotional Planning
Ensure compliance to T- planning processes (incl. Promotion/Event/New Product Development forecasting)
Align with commercial buyers on forecasted volumes at T-4 before confirming with vendors as and when required on focus lines
Work with commercial buyers to achieve growth hurdles and sales targets within business set limitations
Align on pending price increases and identify stock to buy-in, in addition to clearance plans for this stock (additional promotional activity required if stockholding far exceeds stock model targets)
Key understanding required of the sale trends of seasonal lines
Daily/Strategic Operational Execution
The Team Lead Planner will still have a portfolio with a set number of accounts to manage in a Supply Chain Planner capacity
Running VL10 is no longer a requirement for the Team Lead Planner
Ensure the use of standardised planning and reporting tools for accurate replenishment and promotional planning and execution within team
Ensure all planners use the correct tools and reports to understand root cause on poor KPI performance and implement solutions that will proactively reduce/avoid returns to DC or vendor
Track availability of total category and highlight risks to the business (general and promotional)
Continuous Improvement & Standardisation
Proactively provide input and suggestions on improved ways of work and planning processes
Ensure successful implementation of new processes, tools and reports in teams
Drive the use of standardised planning processes, tools and reports by all planners
Ensure the operating plan is clearly communicated to and implemented by all planners
Drive Improved Stakeholder Engagement
Build & maintain good working relationship with all stakeholders (including but not limited to Vendors, Commercial, DC & Logistic teams, Operating Division co-ordinators, etc.)
Collaborate with required internal stakeholders to create accurate and realistic sales plans that reflect business, category and promotional strategies
Work with vendors and commercial to understand the root cause of poor strike rate and work on solutions to proactively avoid/mitigate strike rate issues
Expectation to be available after office hours to assist with emergency queries and risk mitigation from various stakeholders
Team Leadership and People Development
Create clear direction, guidance and support for your team to execute required responsibilities
Identify training opportunities through observation of planner performance or consultation with teams
Lead by example by adhering to office regulations (professional attire, office hours, etc.)
Desired Experience & Qualification
2+ years supply chain planning experience
Knowledge of DC and stores operations/limitations
Understanding of the processes and procedures within the category
Sound knowledge of business/system rules used by planning teams
Cross-functional and stakeholder collaboration
Competencies
Understanding the operational and financial impact of decisions made and actions taken in the Supply Chain Planning environment
Enforcing PNP planning principles and adhering to the limitations faced in the supply chain environment
Understanding the importance of the SCP KPIs and driving adherence to them within the team
High emotional intelligence
Professional attitude in the working environment
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and time management skills
Sense of urgency - special focus on professional, timeously provided feedback (including statistical figures where applicable)
Ability to work well under pressure
Leadership skills with the ability to create a motivational working environment for teams
Good interpersonal relationship and communication skills
Knowledge of IT systems and tools used for planning i.e. SAP ERP, F&R, Analysis, UDF
