40 Planning Manager jobs in South Africa

Job Title

Planning Manager

Primary Purpose (Role):

The Planning Manager is responsible for providing a complete project planning service to DRA.

Key Performance Areas (Responsibilities):

People Leadership

• Ensure the Planning department at DRA is functional and capable of providing cost-effective services to projects.
• Mentor the Planning Department resources.
• Lead and develop the team for optimal performance.

People Management

• Allocate resources to projects.
• Identify and participate in the training and development of resources.
• Liaise with all stakeholders to ensure project requirements are met.
• Provide leadership, confidence, and motivation to all project planning resources.

Operational Management

• Ensure a comprehensive planning service is delivered to all projects.
• Develop Planning procedures.
• Support the General Manager: Project Controls in all planning related duties as required.
• Attend management, project team, and client meetings as requested.
• Assist management, project managers, and colleagues in understanding and accepting scheduling concepts, theory, and alternative approaches in scheduling project activities.
• Comply with all health and safety, company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Manage all planning software, supported by DRA ICT.
• Take on client-facing roles as and when the project demands.
• Drive innovation and optimisation.

Stakeholder Relations

• Ensure all interactions with stakeholders are conducted in a professional and respectful manner.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 - Essential
• Project Management Institute (PMI) qualifications or similar - Advantageous
• Technical Qualification - Advantageous
• MS Projects 2013 and Primavera P6 - Essential

Experience:

• Experience in a similar position in the EPCM environment - 8+ years - Essential
• Experienced in a multi-disciplinary engineering and construction environment - 5+ years - Advantageous
• Junior Management experience - 2+ years - Advantageous
• Full MS Office Package at minimum intermediate level - 5+ years - Advantageous

Knowledge Areas:

• Thorough understanding of the EPCM project cycle - Advantageous
• Understanding of Project Management fundamentals - Advantageous
• Exposure to all project control functions - Advantageous
• Well-developed computer literacy specifically including: MS Office suite, Primavera Suite, MS Project - Essential
• Thorough understanding of engineering, manufacturing, and construction processes - Essential
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in project planning at all levels - Essential

In this key role, you'll develop and execute workforce strategies to ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time. You'll manage forecasting, scheduling and real-time performance, while coaching and leading a small planning team to support operational excellence as we scale. Bellville-based contact centre.

• Forecasting call volumes and staffing requirements

• Creating efficient schedules to meet service levels and manage costs

• Monitoring real-time performance and adjusting plans as needed

• Analysing data and providing proactive insights to drive improvement

• Leading, mentoring and developing the WFM team

• Partnering with managers across the business to plan resources effectively

• Maintaining WFM systems and ensuring compliance with labour legislation

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a contact centre workforce planning leadership role

• Strong understanding of WFM systems, KPIs and scheduling software

• Excellent analytical, planning and stakeholder management skills

• Matric (Bachelor's degree an advantage)

• Credit and Criminal Clear

• Medical aid fully covered for main member

Are you passionate about optimising people, processes and performance?

We're looking for an experienced Workforce Planning Manager to join our dynamic Bellville-based contact centre.

In this key role, you'll develop and execute workforce strategies to ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time. You'll manage forecasting, scheduling and real-time performance, while coaching and leading a small planning team to support operational excellence as we scale.

What you'll be doing:

• Forecasting call volumes and staffing requirements
• Creating efficient schedules to meet service levels and manage costs
• Monitoring real-time performance and adjusting plans as needed
• Analysing data and providing proactive insights to drive improvement
• Leading, mentoring and developing the WFM team
• Partnering with managers across the business to plan resources effectively
• Maintaining WFM systems and ensuring compliance with labour legislation

What you'll bring:

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a contact centre workforce planning leadership role
• Strong understanding of WFM systems, KPIs and scheduling software
• Excellent analytical, planning and stakeholder management skills
• Matric (Bachelor's degree an advantage)
• Credit and Criminal Clear

Location: Bellville, Cape Town

Purpose of the job

The Workforce Planning Manager is responsible for forecasting resource requirements and developing strategic staffing plans to support customer-facing operations, with a particular focus on B2C Front Office environments. This includes ensuring the organisation can meet service demands efficiently while maintaining high levels of responsiveness and customer satisfaction.

Using historical data, predictive modelling, and business insights, the manager anticipates demand across multiple channels and translates forecasts into actionable plans. They collaborate with departments such as Operations, HR, and Finance to align workforce strategies with broader business objectives and operational realities.

A key aspect of the role is the ability to present complex planning outputs in a commercially relevant way. The manager must communicate the financial and operational impact of resource decisions to senior stakeholders, support strategic planning, and continuously improve forecasting models and processes to enhance agility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Forecasting:

Develop and maintain resource forecasting models to predict future call, claims, and resource requirements based on historical data and projected business product trends.

Analyse insights and trends, business forecasts, and operational metrics to anticipate resource requirements.

Collaborate with finance and operational teams to align resource forecasts with business plans.

Apply forecasting techniques tailored to B2C Front Office environments, considering customer behaviour, seasonal trends, and campaign impacts.

Present forecasting outputs in a commercially relevant format to support strategic planning and investment decisions.

Resource Planning

Create comprehensive resource plans to ensure the availability and efficient use of resources across the organisation (Short/Medium/Long Term).

Monitor and adjust resource plans to address changes in demand, project timelines, and business priorities.

Coordinate with various operational departments and clients to ensure alignment of resource plans with overall business objectives and operational targets.

Facilitate regular meetings with key stakeholders to review resource forecasts, address challenges, and update plans.

Communicate resource plans and changes effectively to all relevant parties.

Ensure resource plans support both operational efficiency and commercial viability in high-volume B2C environments.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Gather and analyse data to provide insights into resource utilisation and identify opportunities for improvement.

Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track resource metrics and performance indicators.

Present findings and recommendations to senior management to support strategic decision-making.

Translate operational data into clear, commercially focused insights for non-technical stakeholders.

Process Improvement

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of resource forecasting and planning.

Utilise best practices, industry standards, and WFM technology to optimise resource management processes.

Monitor the impact of changes and adjust as necessary to ensure continuous improvement.

Risk Management

Assess potential risks related to resource availability and develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks.

Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies regarding resource management.

Conduct regular audits and reviews to maintain high standards of resource planning and utilisation.

Knowledge, skills and experience required

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proven experience in resource forecasting and planning within a B2C Front Office or contact centre environment.

• Strong understanding of customer demand dynamics and operational drivers in multi-channel service environments.

• Ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable plans and commercially sound recommendations.

• Skilled in presenting workforce strategies and performance insights to senior stakeholders, with a focus on financial impact and business alignment.

• Proficiency in workforce management and planning tools (e.g., NICE, Verint, IEX, Calabrio).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across operational and commercial functions.

• Experience in scenario modelling, capacity planning, and continuous improvement of forecasting processes.

• Commercial acumen with the ability to link operational planning to financial outcomes and strategic goals.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and work across time zones or geographies as required.

Regulatory Responsibilities

Adhere to relevant regulatory Conduct rules and the Firm's code of conduct including but not limited to the Financial Conduct Authority and Central Bank of Ireland

Undertake all regulatory training as prescribed by the company and comply with all policies relevant to your role

Immediately report any known conflicts of interest in line with company policy

Satisfy on an ongoing basis the company's fit and proper requirements which as a minimum shall take account of your:

Honesty, integrity and reputation

Competence and capability; and

Financial soundness

Carry out the role with honesty and integrity in the best interests of the Firm and its customers

Maintain a Duty of Responsibility for all activities managed within the role

Purpose of the job

The Workforce Planning Manager is responsible for forecasting resource requirements and developing strategic staffing plans to support customer-facing operations, with a particular focus on B2C Front Office environments. This includes ensuring the organisation can meet service demands efficiently while maintaining high levels of responsiveness and customer satisfaction.

Using historical data, predictive modelling, and business insights, the manager anticipates demand across multiple channels and translates forecasts into actionable plans. They collaborate with departments such as Operations, HR, and Finance to align workforce strategies with broader business objectives and operational realities.

A key aspect of the role is the ability to present complex planning outputs in a commercially relevant way. The manager must communicate the financial and operational impact of resource decisions to senior stakeholders, support strategic planning, and continuously improve forecasting models and processes to enhance agility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Forecasting:

Develop and maintain resource forecasting models to predict future call, claims, and resource requirements based on historical data and projected business product trends.

Analyse insights and trends, business forecasts, and operational metrics to anticipate resource requirements.

Collaborate with finance and operational teams to align resource forecasts with business plans.

Apply forecasting techniques tailored to B2C Front Office environments, considering customer behaviour, seasonal trends, and campaign impacts.

Present forecasting outputs in a commercially relevant format to support strategic planning and investment decisions.

Resource Planning

Create comprehensive resource plans to ensure the availability and efficient use of resources across the organisation (Short/Medium/Long Term).

Monitor and adjust resource plans to address changes in demand, project timelines, and business priorities.

Coordinate with various operational departments and clients to ensure alignment of resource plans with overall business objectives and operational targets.

Facilitate regular meetings with key stakeholders to review resource forecasts, address challenges, and update plans.

Communicate resource plans and changes effectively to all relevant parties.

Ensure resource plans support both operational efficiency and commercial viability in high-volume B2C environments.

Data Analysis and Reporting

Gather and analyse data to provide insights into resource utilisation and identify opportunities for improvement.

Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track resource metrics and performance indicators.

Present findings and recommendations to senior management to support strategic decision-making.

Translate operational data into clear, commercially focused insights for non-technical stakeholders.

Process Improvement

Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of resource forecasting and planning.

Utilise best practices, industry standards, and WFM technology to optimise resource management processes.

Monitor the impact of changes and adjust as necessary to ensure continuous improvement.

Risk Management

Assess potential risks related to resource availability and develop contingency plans to mitigate these risks.

Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies regarding resource management.

Conduct regular audits and reviews to maintain high standards of resource planning and utilisation.

Knowledge, skills and experience required

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience in resource forecasting and planning within a B2C Front Office or contact centre environment.
• Strong understanding of customer demand dynamics and operational drivers in multi-channel service environments.
• Ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable plans and commercially sound recommendations.
• Skilled in presenting workforce strategies and performance insights to senior stakeholders, with a focus on financial impact and business alignment.
• Proficiency in workforce management and planning tools (e.g., NICE, Verint, IEX, Calabrio).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across operational and commercial functions.
• Experience in scenario modelling, capacity planning, and continuous improvement of forecasting processes.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to link operational planning to financial outcomes and strategic goals.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and work across time zones or geographies as required.

Regulatory Responsibilities

Adhere to relevant regulatory Conduct rules and the Firm's code of conduct including but not limited to the Financial Conduct Authority and Central Bank of Ireland

Undertake all regulatory training as prescribed by the company and comply with all policies relevant to your role

Immediately report any known conflicts of interest in line with company policy

Satisfy on an ongoing basis the company's fit and proper requirements which as a minimum shall take account of your:

Honesty, integrity and reputation

Competence and capability; and

Financial soundness

Carry out the role with honesty and integrity in the best interests of the Firm and its customers

Maintain a Duty of Responsibility for all activities managed within the role

Role Purpose
,

Join Lactalis South Africa at our offices in the Western Cape and take on the challenging role of Demand Planning Manager. In this role the incumbent, along with their team, will be responsible for leading integration and promoting alignment between Commercial, and Supply Chain. The incumbent will help ensure that Customers demands are fulfilled through integrated business planning while supporting functions to achieve their respective performance objectives

,
Requirements
,

• Relevant Degree in BCom or Industrial Engineering
• 5-8 years' Supply Chain experience
• Data Analytics experience would be advantageous
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Highly analytical
• Resilient and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Resourceful and adaptable individual with strong self-management attributes

,
Duties and Responsibilities
,

• The incumbent will be responsible for the Sales Forecast that is used in short-term supply planning as well as long term volume forecasts for input into quarterly/annual financial forecasts, capacity reviews and critical raw material allocation (Raw Milk).
• Mature and further develop the Integrated Business Planning (S&OP) philosophy at LSA by constantly finding ways to improve and streamline the process and dashboards.
• Prepare and coordinate weekly Demand Reviews with Commercial teams to enable improvement in Sales Forecast Accuracy, contribute to lowering working capital and maximise customer demand fulfilment.
• Collaborate with Commercial to improve Promotional volume planning and phasing
• Develop and encourage the use of systems and BI analytics to improve the supply chain's effectiveness
• Drive a continuous improvement and skills development philosophy in the team.

The Integrated Planning Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the end-to-end business planning process across the Group's operations. This role ensures the integration of production, service, and operational plans across the value chain to meet strategic business objectives.

Roles & Responsibilities

Business Planning and Performance

 Understand and interpret the business expectations and translate them into actionable plans.

Coordinate the annual business planning process across functions and sites.

se the Business Structure Performance (BSP) model to evaluate capabilities and develop alternative scenarios.

ssess the effectiveness of the Operational Master Schedule (OMS) in delivering business objectives.

Integrated Operational Planning

evelop and integrate a comprehensive 5-year factory-to-market plan that considers all functions.

nsure alignment and synergy across disciplines and sites to optimise value chain performance.

onsolidate inputs for the Master Operating Schedule in line with the Integrated Planning Process (IPP).

acilitate communication between planning disciplines to ensure cohesive and informed planning.

Planning Process and Execution Support

onduct and document structured planning meetings to track decisions and actions.

rovide tools, methodologies, and technical guidance to operational planning teams.

oach and mentor teams to build planning capability across the organisation.

Technology and Innovation

dentify and define planning challenges and improvement opportunities.

ngage with Group subject matter experts to explore and implement planning technologies.

ead the rollout of approved technological solutions on site.

Qualifications & Experience
achelor's Degree in Engineering, Processing, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

inimum of 6 – 8 years' experience in integrated business or operational planning within a complex industrial environment.

 ong understanding of value chain planning, production scheduling, and cross-functional integration

trategic Thinking – Ability to align long-term plans with business strategy and market dynamics.

 egrated Planning Expertise – Deep understanding of end-to-end value chain planning (mine-to-market).

 lytical and Problem-Solving Skills – Strong capability to assess complex scenarios, model outcomes, and make data-driven decisions.

 ject and Process Management – Skilled in managing cross-functional planning cycles and continuous improvement initiatives.

 hnology and Systems Orientation – Proficient in planning tools, systems integration, and digital solutions.

 keholder Engagement – Strong interpersonal skills to influence and align diverse teams and senior stakeholders.

 iness Acumen – Understands the financial, operational, and market levers that drive enterprise value.

 nge Leadership – Able to lead planning transformation, drive adoption, and support cultural change.

Closing date : Friday, 26 September 2025

Job Description

Lead a planning team (Merchandise & Location) to drive portfolio growth (getting the right plan), ensuring the right product in the stores that meet the needs of the customer in a moderate Womenswear business

Responsibilities

Team Leadership

1. Set goals and direction for the team in line with key portfolio imperatives as well as gender and company strategy.

2.Ensure a focus on future portfolio planning and vision as well as a continuously optimizing current trade performance.

3.Facilitate role clarity within the team and ensure clear accountability at a task contribution level as well as 'ownership' of key responsibility areas.

4.Provide guidance and performance feedback at both an individual and team level -optimizing learning and development for all team members.

5.Ensure accountability through effective delegation with appropriate support and oversight dependent on levels of competence and experience in the team.

6.Review and streamline processes to ensure effective time management, proactive planning and team member utilization.

7.Create a team culture that is disciplined in its thinking; responsive to trade; collaborative across all areas of the business and passionate about fashion retail.

8.Keep up-to-date with group training material as it pertains to roles within reporting lines so as to be in the position to re-enforce the learnings generated in training for when direct reports are on the job.

Current Trade

1.Provide guidance, support and oversight to planners with regards to their weekly management of all current trade planning activities and action plans including critical marketing and resourcing timelines.

2.Compile and communicate a current trade report for the senior business leaders, as well as strategic overviews of the previous month's trade required for board reports.

3.Analyze the RLC or other available market share stats when available on a monthly basis; monitoring growth targets against strategic intent and initiate proactive interventions as needed.

4.Review financial plans and Replen forecasts and provide appropriate guidance regarding action plans within the required timelines.

5.Adjust top line financial plans reflecting changes based on current trade that allows the merchandise planners and location planners to achieve the desired lower level financial plans.

6.Review KPI's on a monthly basis with Planning Director to monitor performance against approved targets.

7.Facilitate competitive shops and store visits and ensure that action plans incorporate appropriate trading responses.

Post Mortem & Strategy

1.Set and drive future portfolio planning and vision based on a thorough understanding of historical portfolio performance and future portfolio strategy within the bigger picture of gender and company strategy.

2.Monitor competitor activity with regards to merchandise strategy and impact onto the business.

3.Conduct an in-depth and relevant portfolio performance analysis and compile a post mortem document and summary outlining key learnings, business implications and insights.

4.Present the Post Mortem to Senior business leadership identifying critical gaps and opportunities for portfolio growth.

5.Finalize sub cats with the Buying Brand Merchant and compile key strategic objectives and strategy document (in line with PM and Trend) which are aligned to company strategy.

6.Create a top line financial plan portfolio / sub department level reflecting growth in line with missed opportunities, company strategy and trend as well as new store growth in order to allow the merchandise and location planner to achieve the desired lower level financial plan.

7.Collate all critical strategy planning elements such as PMO, width and depth, price points, research and other key ratios and ensure accurate sub cat and category investment. Including productivity and profitably.

8.In collaboration with buying, compile a Strategy portfolio summary ensuring alignment and input from Trend, Marketing, VM and Resource.

9.Present Strategy to Senior Business leadership providing a clear, detailed rationale with reference to market conditions, Product and KPI's.

Building an Assortment

1. Co-ordinate and manage assortment planning work based on review timelines and key calendar dates and turnaround timelines.

2.Review the assortment plan in conjunction with buying and Trend ensuring that all assortments balance back to key strategic objectives, trade performance history with consistent sub category flow.

3.Finalize the Review document including the PMO plan and Assortment sheet and communicate any shifts in product or key measures such as shape of assortment, and attribute management.

4.Adjust top line financial plans reflecting changes in strategy bases on assortment plan that allows the merchandise planners and location planners to achieve the desired lower level financial plans.

5.Prepare for the Review Presentation and present to Senior Business leadership demonstrating clear alignment with the seasonal strategy, financial plan and in store delivery critical path and action feedback accordingly.

Qualifications

Education:

Degree or Diploma Qualification that is commerce-related.

Experience:

Strong leadership, ability to grow and develop your team

A track record of successfully developing others

A track record of successfully delivering strategic imperatives

Deep functional expertise in location and merchandise planning

Minimum 5 - 7 years' experience

Knowledge/ Skills:

Advanced knowledge of Excel

Good organizational and planning abilities

Excellent communication skills

Strong administrative Skills

Team player

Mr Price Group Limited is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Employment Equity.

Lead a planning team (Merchandise & Location) to drive portfolio growth (getting the right plan), ensuring the right product in the stores that meet the needs of the customer in a moderate Womenswear business

**Qualifications: Education:

Degree or Diploma Qualification that is commerce-related.

Experience:

Strong leadership, ability to grow and develop your team

A track record of successfully developing others

A track record of successfully delivering strategic imperatives

Deep functional expertise in location and merchandise planning

Minimum 5 - 7 years' experience

Knowledge/ Skills:

Advanced knowledge of Excel

Good organizational and planning abilities

Excellent communication skills

Strong administrative Skills

Team player

Mr Price Group Limited is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Employment Equity.**

Responsibilities: Team Leadership

1. Set goals and direction for the team in line with key portfolio imperatives as well as gender and company strategy.
   
   2.Ensure a focus on future portfolio planning and vision as well as a continuously optimizing current trade performance.
   
   3.Facilitate role clarity within the team and ensure clear accountability at a task contribution level as well as 'ownership' of key responsibility areas.
   
   4.Provide guidance and performance feedback at both an individual and team level -optimizing learning and development for all team members.
   
   5.Ensure accountability through effective delegation with appropriate support and oversight dependent on levels of competence and experience in the team.
   
   6.Review and streamline processes to ensure effective time management, proactive planning and team member utilization.
   
   7.Create a team culture that is disciplined in its thinking; responsive to trade; collaborative across all areas of the business and passionate about fashion retail.
   
   8.Keep up-to-date with group training material as it pertains to roles within reporting lines so as to be in the position to re-enforce the learnings generated in training for when direct reports are on the job.

Current Trade

1.Provide guidance, support and oversight to planners with regards to their weekly management of all current trade planning activities and action plans including critical marketing and resourcing timelines.

2.Compile and communicate a current trade report for the senior business leaders, as well as strategic overviews of the previous month's trade required for board reports.

3.Analyze the RLC or other available market share stats when available on a monthly basis; monitoring growth targets against strategic intent and initiate proactive interventions as needed.

4.Review financial plans and Replen forecasts and provide appropriate guidance regarding action plans within the required timelines.

5.Adjust top line financial plans reflecting changes based on current trade that allows the merchandise planners and location planners to achieve the desired lower level financial plans.

6.Review KPI's on a monthly basis with Planning Director to monitor performance against approved targets.

7.Facilitate competitive shops and store visits and ensure that action plans incorporate appropriate trading responses.

Post Mortem & Strategy

1.Set and drive future portfolio planning and vision based on a thorough understanding of historical portfolio performance and future portfolio strategy within the bigger picture of gender and company strategy.

2.Monitor competitor activity with regards to merchandise strategy and impact onto the business.

3.Conduct an in-depth and relevant portfolio performance analysis and compile a post mortem document and summary outlining key learnings, business implications and insights.

4.Present the Post Mortem to Senior business leadership identifying critical gaps and opportunities for portfolio growth.

5.Finalize sub cats with the Buying Brand Merchant and compile key strategic objectives and strategy document (in line with PM and Trend) which are aligned to company strategy.

6.Create a top line financial plan portfolio / sub department level reflecting growth in line with missed opportunities, company strategy and trend as well as new store growth in order to allow the merchandise and location planner to achieve the desired lower level financial plan.

7.Collate all critical strategy planning elements such as PMO, width and depth, price points, research and other key ratios and ensure accurate sub cat and category investment. Including productivity and profitably.

8.In collaboration with buying, compile a Strategy portfolio summary ensuring alignment and input from Trend, Marketing, VM and Resource.

9.Present Strategy to Senior Business leadership providing a clear, detailed rationale with reference to market conditions, Product and KPI's.

Building an Assortment

1. Co-ordinate and manage assortment planning work based on review timelines and key calendar dates and turnaround timelines.

2.Review the assortment plan in conjunction with buying and Trend ensuring that all assortments balance back to key strategic objectives, trade performance history with consistent sub category flow.

3.Finalize the Review document including the PMO plan and Assortment sheet and communicate any shifts in product or key measures such as shape of assortment, and attribute management.

4.Adjust top line financial plans reflecting changes in strategy bases on assortment plan that allows the merchandise planners and location planners to achieve the desired lower level financial plans.

5.Prepare for the Review Presentation and present to Senior Business leadership demonstrating clear alignment with the seasonal strategy, financial plan and in store delivery critical path and action feedback accordingly.