Beauty & Cosmetics Merchandising Planner - Data-Driven Growth

Dixie Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Dixie Recruitment seeks an exceptional Merchandise Planner (Beauty & Cosmetics) to join a high-performing retail team in Cape Town. The role focuses on turning data into commercial action and optimizing stock to drive sales and profitability.

You will forecast demand at SKU level, manage inventories within budget, and collaborate with buyers to plan launches, promotions and replenishment in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in merchandise planning within retail/consumer goods.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills to interpret complex sales and inventory data.
• Advanced Excel and MS Office with large datasets and reporting.
• Experience using ERP systems; LS Retail is a plus.
• Knowledge of retail economics and working capital.
• Interest in AI, automation and digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop SKU-level demand forecasts considering trends, seasonality, promotions, launches and store requirements.
• Manage purchasing and inventory within budgets, protecting gross margin and working capital.
• Monitor sales performance, stock turn, stock cover and supplier fill rates, addressing variances.
• Plan and manage product allocations and replenishment across stores.
• Collaborate with Buyer to forecast quantities for new launches and stock investment.
• Monitor purchase orders and deliveries, coordinating with Supply Chain to resolve delays.
• Track promotional merchandise and deliveries to align with campaigns.
• Prepare merchandise reports analyzing sales, inventory and financial performance.
• Research consumer trends and competitor activity to inform purchasing and merchandising decisions.
• Collaborate with Buying, Supply Chain, Finance and suppliers to drive continuous improvement using technology.

Skills

Analytical skills

Commercial mindset

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

ERP experience

LS Retail

AI tools interest

Education

Commerce/SCM/Statistics or Analytics degree

Tools

ERP systems

LS Retail

Job description

Dixie Recruitment seeks an exceptional Merchandise Planner (Beauty & Cosmetics) to join a high-performing retail team in Cape Town. The role focuses on turning data into commercial action and optimizing stock to drive sales and profitability.

You will forecast demand at SKU level, manage inventories within budget, and collaborate with buyers to plan launches, promotions and replenishment in a fast-paced environment.