Senior Retail Merchandise Planner

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 46,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Staff discounts

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Retail Merchandise Planner to forecast demand, plan inventory, and optimize assortment for our Kimberley-based operations. You will work with buying, allocation, and store teams to ensure products are in the right place at the right time.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, retail math proficiency, and collaboration across departments to maximize sales and profitability in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail buying.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in retail math and forecasting techniques.
• Proven experience with retail planning and inventory management software (e.g., JDA, SAP).
• Excellent understanding of the retail product lifecycle and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate sales forecasts and merchandise plans based on historical data, market trends, and promotional activities.
• Plan and manage inventory levels across all distribution channels to meet sales targets while minimizing excess stock and stockouts.
• Analyze product performance, identify trends, and provide insights to the buying team to optimize assortment and product mix.
• Collaborate with the allocation team to ensure timely and effective distribution of merchandise to stores.
• Monitor stock levels, identify potential risks, and recommend proactive solutions.
• Participate in seasonal planning and strategy meetings to contribute merchandise planning expertise.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, including buying, marketing, and store operations.
• Prepare regular reports on sales, inventory, and performance metrics for senior management.
• Continuously refine planning processes and tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Forecasting

Data analysis

JDA

SAP

Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Statistics

Tools

JDA

SAP

Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading fashion retailer, is seeking a highly analytical and strategic Senior Retail Merchandise Planner to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This critical role is responsible for forecasting demand, planning inventory levels, and optimizing product assortment to maximize sales and profitability. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of retail math, inventory management principles, and market dynamics. You will collaborate closely with buying, allocation, and store teams to ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time. This is an excellent opportunity for a data-driven individual to make a significant impact on the company's commercial success within the Northern Cape region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop accurate sales forecasts and merchandise plans based on historical data, market trends, and promotional activities.
• Plan and manage inventory levels across all distribution channels to meet sales targets while minimizing excess stock and stockouts.
• Analyze product performance, identify trends, and provide insights to the buying team to optimize assortment and product mix.
• Collaborate with the allocation team to ensure timely and effective distribution of merchandise to stores.
• Monitor stock levels, identify potential risks (e.g., overstock, understock), and recommend proactive solutions.
• Participate in seasonal planning and strategy meetings to contribute merchandise planning expertise.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, including buying, marketing, and store operations.
• Prepare regular reports on sales, inventory, and performance metrics for senior management.
• Continuously refine planning processes and tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail buying.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in retail math and forecasting techniques.
• Proven experience with retail planning and inventory management software (e.g., JDA, SAP).
• Excellent understanding of the retail product lifecycle and market dynamics.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions for data analysis and reporting.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Statistics, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience in the fashion or apparel retail sector is a significant advantage.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary package, coupled with performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits plan, including medical aid and retirement contributions. Our client provides excellent opportunities for professional development, including access to advanced planning software training and mentorship programs. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, and employees benefit from significant staff discounts on merchandise. Working in a key role for a prominent retailer in Kimberley offers a rewarding career trajectory.