Planning and Supply Chain Executive

Introduction

Our client is a leading discount retailer specialising in clothing, footwear and home products, as well as cellular and financial services, trading in various African countries.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

To hold ultimate accountability for harmonising their commercial product pipeline with their global operational fulfilment. This strategic role bridges two distinct, high-performing divisions: Planning (the analytical, financial, and data-driven governance of stock) and Supply Chain (the physical operational movement and distribution of goods).

The successful candidate will ensure that financial inventory plans seamlessly translate into physical logistics execution, driving profitability and operational excellence without losing the specialised focus of each team, across their multi-country African markets.

Duties & Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Contribution

• Contribute to the formulation and execution of the overall corporate strategy as an active Exco member.
• Align the distinct strategies of Planning and Supply Chain with overarching business financial goals and P&L targets
• Lead, mentor, and build capability within two separate leadership pipelines
• Collaborate with cross-border and cross-functional teams, including Buying, Finance, Marketing, and Operations, to execute cohesive strategies and drive business growth
• Lead and promote their culture and values of honesty, passion, and resourcefulness

Planning Portfolio

• Financial Range & Inventory Planning:

Oversee the end to end sales planning, margin, and stock plans, ensuring optimal inventory investment across all product lines

Demand Forecasting & S&OP: Drive the data-driven demand forecasting models and lead the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align commercial projections with operational capabilities

• Open-to-Buy (OTB) Governance: Manage and allocate the OTB budget, ensuring stock levels are optimised to maximise full-price sell-through and minimise markdown risks
• Stock Allocation & Lifecycle Management:

Oversee allocation, replenishment, and terminal stock strategies to optimise stock turn, freshness, and profitability across channels

Supply Chain & Logistics Portfolio

• Logistics & Freight Management: Lead international and domestic freight, customs clearance, and inbound logistics networks to ensure predictable, cost-effective transit times
• Warehousing & Distribution: Oversee fulfillment center operations, warehousing capacity planning, and outbound distribution networks to meet delivery SLAs
• Operational Supply Chain Resiliency: Build and maintain an agile fulfillment infrastructure capable of adapting to global disruptions and scaling with business growth
• Continuous Improvement: Drive automation and process efficiencies across the physical supply chain to reduce lead times and operational overheads

Desired Experience & Qualification

JOB INCUMBENT REQUIREMENTS

• Senior Leadership: At least 5 years of experience operating at a Senior Management or Executive level, with strong corporate financial acumen
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in successfully overseeing product/merchandise planning. Experience in physical supply chain/logistics functions and/or African discount retail experience will be highly advantageous.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Statistics, or a highly analytical discipline
• Data Literacy: Deep understanding of predictive modelling, inventory KPIs (GMROI, Weeks of Supply, Stock Turn), and ERP systems
• Skills: Exceptional communication and presentation skills; commercially minded with advanced analytical and problem solving skills, advanced data and systems proficiency, resilience, stress tolerance, agility and ability to thrive in a fast paced, diverse and complex environment while managing multiple priorities effectively, innovative with high levels of initiative, excellent leadership skills with proven team building competence

Package & Remuneration

Monthly salary

Interested?

clothing