Planner

📌 Planner – Old SchoolWe’re on the hunt for a sharp, detail-driven Inventory Planner to help us keep the right products flowing at the right time, in the right quantities - without drowning our stores in stock. This role sits at the heart of our buying and planning ecosystem, making sure demand is met, sales are optimised, and profitability stays healthy.You’ll partner closely with our buyers, marketing team, and suppliers, forecasting what’s coming, managing what’s here, and planning what’s next. If you love data, thrive in a fast-moving retail environment, and have a sixth sense for market trends, you’ll fit right in.What You’ll Be DoingDemand Forecasting:Analyse sales data, market trends, and customer behaviour to predict future demand.Build seasonal sales and inventory plans, adjusting as real-time data rolls in.Decide on air vs sea freight (yes, you get to influence speed and spend).Inventory Management:Maintain optimal stock levels - enough to sell, but not enough to sink us.Track turnover, refine replenishment strategies, and avoid overstock traps.Product Assortment Planning:Plan product mixes based on performance, trends, and customer demand.Work with buyers to keep categories balanced and relevant.Recommend markdowns and clearance strategies when needed.Pricing Support:Collaborate on competitive pricing that still protects margins.Monitor the impact of pricing decisions and suggest changes where it counts.Sales Analysis & Reporting:Track performance, spot trends, and highlight risks or opportunities.Monitor KPIs like sell-through, margins, and stock turns.Prepare clear performance updates for senior management.Vendor & Supplier Relationships:Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships.Negotiate terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.Resolve any supply-chain hiccups that threaten stock flow.Risk & Budget Management:Flag availability risks early and develop contingency plans.Manage purchasing budgets and keep stock investment disciplined.Internal Collaboration:Work closely with buying, marketing, and store teams.Participate in biannual strategic reviews with leadership.Data & Analytics:Use dashboards and analytics tools to refine forecasts and assortment decisions.Continuously improve accuracy through data-driven insights.Customer & Supplier Insight:Monitor customer buying patterns, returns, and reviews.Conduct supplier evaluations and SWOT reviews to ensure quality and reliability.Bonus Insight:Right now, this role also absorbs allocator responsibilities. 👉 Sound like you?📩 Send your CV and a short note on why you'd be a great fit to: recruitment@oldschool.co.za📝 Fill in this Microsoft Form (compulsory for your application to be valid): Planner | Old School – Fill out form📅 Deadline: Applications close 16 November 2025