Assortment Optimisation Lead

Schlemmer; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Schlemmer in South Africa is seeking an Assortment Optimisation Lead to develop customer-focused assortment strategies that maximise sales and profitability.

You will lead a team of Assortment Planners, collaborating with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing and supplier partners to deliver best-in-class retail assortments. Strong Excel and data analytics are essential for making actionable recommendations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or equivalent in a business-related field.
• Proven ability to develop and execute assortment strategies.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement assortment strategies aligned with customer demand and market trends.
• Lead and develop a team of Assortment Planners.
• Analyse customer behaviour, sales performance and market trends to inform decisions.
• Optimise inventory levels to improve stock availability and profitability.
• Lead new product introductions and assortment optimisation initiatives.
• Develop pricing and markdown strategies across the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing and Supplier teams.
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate favourable terms.
• Develop demand forecasts and support inventory planning.
• Maintain category master data and assortment benchmarks.
• Monitor GMROI, GP per square metre and related metrics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Commercial acumen

Excel

Data analysis

Sales forecasting

Stakeholder management

Education

Business-related qualification in Marketing, Business Commerce, Supply Chain

Tools

Excel

Job description

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Are you a commercially driven retail professional with a passion for assortment strategy, data analytics, and team leadership?

Our client is looking for an Assortment Optimisation Lead to develop and execute customer-focused assortment strategies that maximise sales, profitability, and inventory performance. This strategic leadership role combines commercial insight, market analysis, customer behaviour, and data-driven decision-making to optimise product assortments across the business.

You’ll lead a team of Assortment Planners while working closely with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, and Supplier partners to deliver best-in-class retail assortment strategies.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop and implement assortment strategies aligned with customer demand, market trends, and business objectives
• Lead and develop a team of Assortment Planners
• Analyse customer behaviour, sales performance, market trends, and competitor activity
• Optimise inventory levels to improve stock availability and profitability
• Lead new product introductions and assortment optimisation initiatives
• Develop pricing and markdown strategies throughout the product lifecycle
• Evaluate assortment performance and provide data-driven recommendations
• Collaborate with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, and Supplier teams
• Manage supplier relationships and negotiate favourable commercial terms
• Develop demand forecasts and support inventory planning
• Maintain Category Master Data and assortment benchmarks
• Monitor key retail performance measures including trading density, stock density, GMROI, GMROM, and GP per square metre

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Business-related qualification in Marketing, Business Commerce, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Retail experience with demonstrated success developing assortment strategies
• Strong commercial and analytical skills
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills
• Experience with assortment planning, inventory management, and sales forecasting
• Excellent understanding of retail operations, product lifecycles, and consumer behaviour
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment

If you're ready to lead strategic assortment planning and drive commercial performance within a dynamic retail environment, we'd love to hear from you.