Merchandising Planner

Placements24; Watnall; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a fashion retail client to recruit a Merchandising Planner for Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role blends analytical planning with inventory optimization to maximize sales and minimize markdowns.

You will analyze sales data, collaborate with buyers and allocation teams, and develop seasonal product assortments. The candidate should have a degree in Merchandising or related field, 3+ years of retail planning experience, strong Excel and ERP skills, and the ability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Merchandising or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in retail planning, merchandising, or allocation.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with data interpretation.
• Proficiency in Excel (advanced functions) and planning/ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and ongoing product assortment plans based on sales data, market trends, and brand strategy.
• Collaborate with buyers and merchandisers to select product ranges that meet target market needs.
• Plan and manage inventory flow to ensure optimal stock levels across all channels.
• Analyze sales performance, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to drive sales and profitability.
• Develop and manage promotional plans and their impact on inventory and sales.
• Monitor stock turn and gross margin, implementing strategies to improve performance.
• Create and maintain detailed merchandise plans and reports.
• Work closely with allocation teams to ensure timely and accurate distribution of merchandise.
• Conduct competitor analysis and market research to inform planning decisions.
• Ensure alignment between merchandising plans and marketing campaigns.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel advanced

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Merchandising

Tools

ERP systems

Planning systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the fashion retail industry, is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Merchandising Planner to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This hybrid role involves close collaboration with the head office team and requires on-site presence for key meetings and strategy sessions, with flexibility for remote work. You will be responsible for planning and optimizing product assortments, ensuring that the right products are in the right place at the right time to maximize sales and minimize markdowns. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of retail planning, inventory management, and sales analysis, with a passion for fashion and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and ongoing product assortment plans based on sales data, market trends, and brand strategy.
• Collaborate with buyers and merchandisers to select product ranges that meet target market needs.
• Plan and manage inventory flow to ensure optimal stock levels across all channels.
• Analyze sales performance, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to drive sales and profitability.
• Develop and manage promotional plans and their impact on inventory and sales.
• Monitor stock turn and gross margin, implementing strategies to improve performance.
• Create and maintain detailed merchandise plans and reports.
• Work closely with allocation teams to ensure timely and accurate distribution of merchandise.
• Conduct competitor analysis and market research to inform planning decisions.
• Ensure alignment between merchandising plans and marketing campaigns.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Business, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail planning, merchandising, or allocation.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions) and experience with planning or ERP systems.
• Excellent understanding of retail mathematics and financial metrics.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, suitable for both remote and in-office settings.
• A keen interest in fashion and a good understanding of retail trends.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Based in or able to commute to Kimberley, Northern Cape for required on-site duties.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a retirement fund. This hybrid role provides the opportunity to work with a leading retail brand, influencing product strategy and contributing to commercial success. You will have access to professional development and career progression opportunities within the company. The role is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape , offering a chance to apply your analytical skills in a key regional hub.