Merchandise Planner

Pepkor Lifestyle; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive remuneration

Health & wellness benefits

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Pepkor Lifestyle in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a strategic Merchandise Planner to forecast, plan, and manage product assortments across retail channels. You will work closely with buying, marketing and store operations to ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time, driving profitability and commercial success.

The role requires strong analytical skills, experience in retail planning, and a data-driven approach. Hybrid work model offered with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Merchandise Planner or similar retail planning role.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with Excel and planning software.
• Understanding of retail math, forecasting techniques and inventory management.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute merchandise plans based on sales data and financial goals.
• Forecast demand and manage inventory levels across product categories.
• Collaborate with buyers to select and source seasonally appropriate products.
• Optimize assortment and allocations for store locations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Forecasting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/related

Matric

Tools

Excel

Planning software

Job description

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Our client is looking for a strategic and analytical Merchandise Planner to join their dynamic team in Randburg. This critical role involves forecasting, planning, and managing product assortments to maximize sales and profitability across their retail channels. You will work closely with buying, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time. This is an exciting opportunity for a data-driven individual to influence product strategy and contribute to the commercial success of the business in Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive merchandise plans based on sales data, market trends, and financial goals.
• Forecast demand for various product categories and manage inventory levels accordingly.
• Analyze sales performance, identify key trends, and recommend adjustments to the merchandise strategy.
• Collaborate with the buying team to select and source appropriate products for the season.
• Optimize product assortment and allocation to meet the needs of different store locations.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Merchandise Planner or in a similar retail planning role.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in Excel and planning software.
• Excellent understanding of retail math, forecasting techniques, and inventory management.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field is preferred for this Randburg role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of office and remote work.
• A strategic role influencing product direction in the Gauteng retail market.

Additional Requirements

• A Technical, Manufacturing, Engineering or Production-related qualification will be advantageous
• Previous experience in production co-ordination, planning, production supervision or factory operations
• Experience monitoring production progress against schedules and required completion dates
• Ability to identify and actively manage production bottlenecks, delays and constraints
• Experience co-ordinating Shop-Floor teams and/or production personnel
• Understanding of production flow, work-in-progress and handovers between production stages
• Proficient on Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Projects

MERCHANDISE PLANNER job available with an International established South African Apparel Fashion Retail Brand.

The Merchandise Planner will be focusing on the planning, buying, and distribution of merchandise and will work close with the buying, sales and marketing to develop strategies that meet customer demand while staying within budget. The objective is to increase profitability through strategic inventory management, sales forecasting, and data analysis. By monitoring market trends and sales performance.

Start: Immediate

Key Performance Areas

• 1. Allocations and Stock Control
  • Stock and Sales Analysis
  • Core Allocation Preparation
  • Quarterly size curve analysis
  • Allocations; ensuring allocations are accurate and on time, weekly
• 2. Stock Management
  • Identify gaps in specific fashion lines and provide feedback to Management
  • Profiling of merchandise lines
  • Monitor benchmarks and provide feedback
  • Stock Consolidations with specific merchandise lines
  • Monthly Performance Report
• 3. Stock Movement Control
  • Provide feedback on a weekly basis to Merchandise Team regarding Dispatches, WIP, Deliveries
  • Manage receipt of samples
  • Determine stock/promotional feedback through weekly store visits.

Merchandise Planner Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement merchandise plans based on sales trends and buying patterns
• Analyse sales data to forecast future demand for products
• Collaborate with buyers to select new product assortments
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure optimal stock levels
• Create and adjust inventory allocation strategies
• Prepare and present sales performance reports
• Liaise with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely product delivery
• Coordinate with marketing teams to support promotional activities
• Manage and update the retail calendar to align with merchandising strategies
• Conduct regular market research to stay updated on industry trends
• Maintain strong relationships with store managers to understand customer preferences and feedback

Minimum Experience Required

• Experience : Minimum 5 years'' experience working as a Merchandiser Planner, preferably in apparel / footwear / fashion retail industry. Working with premium or luxury retail groups would be an added advantage.
• Education background: Matric is essential and have a relevant tertiary retail qualification. You need to be computer literate and be a natural working with Advance Excel.
• Interpersonal skills : We are looking for an analytical thinker that is accurate and numerate and has a knack for detail. If you have a positive outlook on life and strive to work under pressure and meet deadlines we would love to hear from you.

Merchandise Planner salary: Competitive Remuneration: market-related salary package.

We are looking for individuals who can balance the art of retail with