Penny Sishange
Senior Retail Merchandise Planner
Germiston
Summary
Professional Summary
Passionate and results-driven retail enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in merchandise and demand planning across Retail Clothing and FMCG sectors. Highly analytical and strategic, with a strong focus on business efficiency and performance optimization. Proven ability to leverage data-driven insights to drive growth, enhance profitability, and implement impactful cost-saving measures. Skilled in data analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning, with a methodical, structured, and logical approach to solving complex business challenges. Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments by making informed decisions and leading necessary change. Committed to excellence through collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. A dedicated mentor and leader, known for developing talent, fostering team growth, and supporting the professional advancement of direct reports. Passionate about contributing to organizational success through effective planning strategies and cultivating a high-performance culture.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Merchandise Planner
Builders Warehouse SA
09.2014 - 01.2025
- Manage a portfolio of brands across categories such as Paint & Allied (R2.2B Portfolio), Garden Hardware & Pool (R1.1B Portfolio), and Nursery & Plants (R700M Portfolio)
- Leveraged data to optimize KPIs, analyze markets, and drive strategic planning. Cultivated strong analytical skills through comprehensive reporting and in-depth analyses. Demonstrated proficiency in data-driven project management and collaboration. Driven planning processes including building sales plans – budgets and forecasts, assortment strategies, inventory management full product life cycle, range building and range management, implementing departmental and group strategies, building vendor relationships, and providing support to the relevant stake holder.My multifaceted experience translates to strong analytical abilities, strategic planning, and effective collaboration.
- Assisted with on-boarding new team members by providing hands-on training in planning processes and systems. Actively taught and guided new starters, helping them transition smoothly into their roles. Passionate about mentoring and knowledge-sharing, with a genuine enthusiasm for nurturing talent and supporting professional growth.
- From Jan 2025 to a Sabbatical break
Specialist Planner
Edcon
01.2014 - 08.2014
- Responsible for managing product lines and forecasting for categories including Intimate-Wear, Kids-wear, and Ladies-Wear
- Advanced through roles from Merchandise Clerk, Assistant Planner to Specialist Planner.
Merchandise Planner
Mr Price Sports
07.2013 - 12.2013
- Managed menswear product lines and inventory for the sports division
- Handled stock forecasting and ordering to optimize sales and stock availability
- Relocated to Johannesburg for family reasons
Specialist Planner
Edcon
01.2011 - 06.2013
- Responsible for managing product lines and forecasting for categories including intimate wear, kids-wear, and ladies wear
- Advanced through roles, from merchandise clerk to specialist planner, overseeing stock, promotions, and range planning
Specialist Planner
Edcon
07.2006 - 12.2010
- Responsible for managing product lines and forecasting for categories including intimate wear, kids-wear, and ladies wear
- Advanced through roles, from merchandise clerk to specialist planner, overseeing stock, promotions, and range planning
Assistant Planner
Edcon
10.2004 - 11.2005
- Supported senior planners with: Daily, Weekly, Fortnightly and Monthly analysis reports
- Stock Allocations and Supplier Orders Management
- Stock Projections Managing Stock Movements between DC's and Stores
- Assist with Range Plans and Reviews
- Pre and Post Promotion Analysis
- Promotion Product allocation and Promo Stock Availability
- Store Gridding and Display Stock Management
- Store and Vendor communications and support
- Product Sales analysis
- New store opening orders plan and allocation
Intimate-Wear Merchandise Clerk
Edcon
07.2003 - 09.2004
- Responsible for managing product lines and forecasting for categories including intimate-wear, kids-wear, and ladies-wear
- Advanced through roles, from merchandise clerk to specialist planner, overseeing stock, promotions, and range planning
Education
Senior Finance Management Programme - Finance
Stratagem Training
01.2018 - 01.2019
Diploma - Cost and Management Accounting
Vaal University of Technology
01.1997 - 01.2000
Matric - undefined
Fumana Comprehensive School
01.1992 - 01.1996
Skills
Strong Planning knowledge (Specialist)
Strategic, Tactical, Analytical
Detail Oriented &Leadership
Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills
Thrive under pressure, Quick to adapt
Collaborative teamwork
Resilient and Results Driven
Open Minded & Not Shy to ask for clarity
Quantitative & Qualitative Research
Passionate - People’s Development
Time management & Self-motivated
Reliable &can deliver without supervision
Skills
ERP Systems: SAP, Retek, Forecasting: EP, MFP, Aurthur, Replenishment: AIP, F&R, Just Enough, Reporting Tools: IT4U, BOBJ, Proclarity, Ethics Training, Strategy Training, Leadership Concepts, Planning Organizing and Control, Performance Management and Coaching, Senior Finance Management Programme, Excel Level 3 Training
Retail System's
• ERP Systems: SAP, Retek
• Forecasting: EP, MFP, Aurthur
• Replenishment: AIP, F&R, Just Enough
• Reporting Tools: IT4U, BOBJ, Proclarity
Development Courses
INTERNAL:
Ethics Training
Strategy Training
Leadership Concepts
Planning Organizing and Control
Performance Management and Coaching
EXTERNAL:
Senior Finance Management Programme
Excel Level 3 Training
References
1) Mrs Bridget Fendick (Senior Planning Manager Massmart,Pool and Garden Dept) 0828752539
2) Mr Gregory Butler (Senior Planning Manager Massmart,Paint and Allied Dept) 0823976481
3) Mr Darrin Mail (Senior Buying Manager Massmart, Paint and Allied Dept) 0823976481
4) Mr Lucky Oliphant (Senior Planning Manager Massmart) 0711851105
5) Mrs Claudia Julius (Divisional Planning Manager Edcon Kids wear) 0833038227
6) Mrs Charmaine Ntsokota (Divisional Planning Manager Jet Menswear) 083271543
Timeline
Senior Finance Management Programme - Finance
Stratagem Training
01.2018 - 01.2019
Merchandise Planner
Builders Warehouse SA
09.2014 - 01.2025
Specialist Planner
Edcon
01.2014 - 08.2014
Merchandise Planner
Mr Price Sports
07.2013 - 12.2013
Specialist Planner
Edcon
01.2011 - 06.2013
Specialist Planner
Edcon
07.2006 - 12.2010
Assistant Planner
Edcon
10.2004 - 11.2005
Intimate-Wear Merchandise Clerk
Edcon
07.2003 - 09.2004
Diploma - Cost and Management Accounting
Vaal University of Technology
01.1997 - 01.2000
Matric - undefined
Fumana Comprehensive School
01.1992 - 01.1996
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