Learn from Industry expert
Susan Martin
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Known as an expert in her field, her collaborative style and people skills are evidenced through a strong track record in attracting and retaining highly skilled Planning professionals, often through volatility; she always brings a stabilising influence and collaboration across functions.
With her unique perspective and way with words, Susan communicates Merchandise Planning principles and concepts in a manner that is engaging and hits the mark with junior through to executive audiences.
Featured in ...
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On the front line ...
Over the course of her 30 year career, Susan has gained extensive experience at the Executive level, developing, integrating and managing the Planning function. Her experience includes positions across many Retail businesses large and small, across the globe:
- Group Merchandise Planning Manager; The Cotton On Group
- General Manager Merchandise Planning; Retail Adventures
- Merchandise Planning Manager (Company); Australian Discount Retail
- Company Merchandise Planning Manager; Best & Less
- General Manager of Merchandise Planning and Inventory; The Warehouse
- Merchandise Manager (Buying & Planning); Seduce
- Senior Merchandise Planner; The Foschini Group, South Africa
As the CEO & Founder of SMART IN PLANNING, since launching in 2014 she has worked with over 150 businesses and brands, with a combined annual turnover in excess of $25 Billion!
In 2020, The Planning POD burst into bloom. A rich Merchandise Planning community and free resource centre. The first of its kind, it epitomises Susan's passion for connecting authentically with her audience, leveraging her unique personal experience to elevate others.
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Awards and Recognition ...
NORA Network, Solution Partner Excellence Awards:
2024, 2023, 2022, 2020-1, 2019, 2018
- WINNER > Merchandising Innovation
- WINNER > Best Merchandising Solutions
- WINNER > Best Retail Consultancy
- WINNER > Best Retail Insights
- WINNER > Best Business Process Outsourcing
Inside Retail, Top 50 Small Business Leaders Report: 2022
Retail Global, Vendors in Partnership (VIP) Awards: 2022, 2023
- WINNER > Best Analytics & Data Management
- WINNER > Best Consultancy / Advisory
(varied per year, plus Finalist placements)
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Read Susan's Blog
Susan shares her unique perspective on Merchandise Planning in her blog called "Planning Matters".
VISIT THE BLOG