Merchandise Planner

Truworths; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Truworths in Cape Town Head Office seeks driven merchandise planning professionals to join the Buying and Planning teams. You will collaborate with buyers and suppliers to shape assortments, forecast sales, and optimize inventory using respective planning systems.

The role emphasizes data analysis, trading mindset, and strong numerical ability, with opportunities to contribute fresh ideas in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of planning experience (fashion retail preferred).
• A degree or qualification with a strong numerical focus.
• Confidence with Excel and data analysis tools
• Bonus: experience with Oracle MFP or Centric PLM
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong numerical abilities and lateral thinking skills
• Detail-driven and accuracy-focused
• Tech – savvy and systems-oriented
• Commercial instinct with a trader’s mindset
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• A team player with an ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Open to feedback, learning, and contributing fresh ideas
• Able to work effectively in a high pressure and fast paced environment
• Able to operate with agility, flexibility, and adaptability in a dynamic environment

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Buyers and suppliers to shape assortments and trade product areas
• Build and implement merchandise plans based on sales patterns and buying trends
• Drive sales and profitability through smart inventory management, sales forecasting, and data analysis
• Utilize international and in-house systems for retail planning
• Prepare and present sales performance and inventory reports
• Partner with suppliers to manage production lead times and timely deliveries
• Conduct regular market research on economic and industry trends
• Ensure right mix reaches stores at right price, right on time

Skills

Merchandise planning

Data analysis

Excel

Forecasting

Trading mindset

Team collaboration

Education

Degree with numerical focus

Tools

Oracle MFP

Centric PLM

Job description

Truworths is looking for driven, curious, and solutions-oriented individuals to join our Buying and Planning teams at our Cape Town Head Office. This is your chance to work with the latest industry merchandise systems, explore cutting-edge retail planning techniques, and unlock your full potential as a key contributor to our merchandise team.

You’ll be part of a collaborative environment where complex problem-solving meets creativity, and where your ideas can directly shape the future of fashion retail.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with our fashion Merchandise Buyers and suppliers to shape our product assortments and dynamically trade product areas
• Build and implement merchandise plans based on sales patterns and buying trends
• Drive sales and increase profitability through smart inventory management, sales forecasting, and data analysis
• Effectively utilize international systems in conjunction with bespoke in-house systems utilizing best in class retail planning techniques
• Prepare and present sales performance and product and inventory assortment reports
• Partner with suppliers to manage critical production lead times and ensure timely delivery of orders
• Conduct regular market research to stay updated on economic and industry trends
• Ensure that the right mix of merchandise reaches the right stores at the right price, right on time

Qualifications and Experience:

• 3+ years of planning experience (fashion retail preferred)
• A degree or qualification with a strong numerical focus
• Confidence with Excel and data analysis tools
• Bonus: experience with Oracle MFP or Centric PLM
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong numerical abilities and lateral thinking skills
• Detail-driven and accuracy-focused
• Tech – savvy and systems-oriented
• Commercial instinct with a trader’s mindset
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• A team player with an ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Open to feedback, learning, and contributing fresh ideas
• Able to work effectively in a high pressure and fast paced environment
• Able to operate with agility, flexibility, and adaptability in a dynamic environment

Truworths is committed to transformation and to providing equal employment opportunities in line with the Employment Equity Act.