FMCG Merchandise Planner: Optimize Stock & Sales

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Staff discounts

Leave entitlements

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape is seeking a highly organized Merchandise Planner to drive forecasts, stock levels, and replenishment strategies for our store network. You will partner with buyers, suppliers and store operations to translate plans into actionable merchandise allocations and promotions.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least three years in merchandise planning or inventory analytics, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related analytical role within the FMCG or retail industry.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in Excel and planning software.
• Excellent understanding of inventory management principles and retail math.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Familiarity with ERP or merchandise planning systems is advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to Paarl, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate sales forecasts and merchandise plans for assigned product categories.
• Determine optimal stock levels and replenishment strategies to meet demand while managing inventory investment.
• Collaborate with buyers to translate assortment plans into detailed merchandise plans.
• Monitor inventory performance, identify slow-moving or overstocked items, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and manage lead times.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for optimizing product mix and inventory flow.
• Support the execution of promotional plans through accurate merchandise allocation.
• Liaise with store operations to ensure effective stock management at the retail level.
• Prepare regular reports on inventory status, forecast accuracy, and merchandise performance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Forecasting

Retail planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field

Tools

Planning software

ERP systems

Job description

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape is seeking a highly organized Merchandise Planner to drive forecasts, stock levels, and replenishment strategies for our store network. You will partner with buyers, suppliers and store operations to translate plans into actionable merchandise allocations and promotions.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least three years in merchandise planning or inventory analytics, and strong Excel skills.