E-commerce Merchandise Planner

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Health and wellness benefits

Professional development opportunities

Office in Nelspruit

Access to planning analytics software

Team strategy meetings

Career growth within merchandising

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking an experienced E-commerce Merchandise Planner to optimize assortment, inventory, and sales across online channels. You will forecast demand, manage product lifecycles, and collaborate with buying, marketing, and operations to drive profitable growth in a fast-paced retail environment.

The role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency with Excel and SQL, and the ability to translate data into actionable merchandising strategies that deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Statistics, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or related role within retail or e-commerce.
• Proven experience in demand forecasting and inventory optimization techniques.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive merchandise plans to optimize product assortment, inventory levels, and sales performance.
• Forecast demand for products based on historical sales data, market trends, and promotional activities.
• Manage product lifecycles, including planning for new product introductions, seasonal changes, and end-of-life products.
• Collaborate with the buying team to select and source products that align with the company's strategy and target customer.
• Optimize inventory levels across distribution channels to minimize stockouts and reduce carrying costs.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for product expansion and category growth.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies in conjunction with the marketing team to drive sales and profitability.
• Monitor competitor assortments and pricing strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Work closely with the operations and logistics teams to ensure efficient product flow and delivery.
• Prepare and present merchandise performance reports to senior management, providing insights and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Inventory optimization

Cross-functional collab

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the online retail space, is seeking a strategic and analytical E-commerce Merchandise Planner to join their team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is crucial for optimizing product assortment, inventory levels, and sales performance across all e-commerce channels. You will be responsible for forecasting demand, managing product lifecycles, and ensuring that the right products are available at the right time and price. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, a keen understanding of retail merchandising principles, and a passion for driving sales through effective planning. We are looking for a proactive individual who can collaborate effectively with buying, marketing, and operations teams to achieve business objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the product strategy of a leading online retailer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive merchandise plans to optimize product assortment, inventory levels, and sales performance.
• Forecast demand for products based on historical sales data, market trends, and promotional activities.
• Manage product lifecycles, including planning for new product introductions, seasonal changes, and end-of-life products.
• Collaborate with the buying team to select and source products that align with the company's strategy and target customer.
• Optimize inventory levels across distribution channels to minimize stockouts and reduce carrying costs.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for product expansion and category growth.
• Develop pricing and promotional strategies in conjunction with the marketing team to drive sales and profitability.
• Monitor competitor assortments and pricing strategies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Work closely with the operations and logistics teams to ensure efficient product flow and delivery.
• Prepare and present merchandise performance reports to senior management, providing insights and recommendations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related role within retail or e-commerce.
• Proven experience in demand forecasting and inventory optimization techniques.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).
• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and merchandising principles.
• Excellent understanding of retail KPIs and financial metrics.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of retail math and basic financial principles.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in retail analytics and merchandising are available.
• This role is based in our modern office in Nelspruit . Paid annual leave and sick leave are standard.
• Access to advanced planning and analytics software.
• Regular team meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Opportunities for career growth within the merchandising and buying departments.