Merchandise Planner

Pepkor Lifestyle; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepkor Lifestyle is seeking a detail-oriented Merchandise Planner in Gauteng, South Africa. The role focuses on forecasting inventory needs, budgeting, and maximizing margins through analysis and proactive planning.

You will develop seasonal and in-season merchandise plans, analyze trends, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute strategies and optimize stock levels. Strong Excel and data-analysis skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in retail management, merchandising, business administration, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in merchandise planning or inventory management in a retail environment.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with merchandise planning software (e.g. JDA, Retalon).
• Previous planning experience within relevant categories preferred.

Responsibilities

• Developing pre-season and in-season merchandise plans aligned with company goals.
• Analyzing sales data, market trends and historical performance to forecast demand and pricing.
• Collaborating with buying, product development and marketing to execute plans.
• Monitoring inventory to optimize sales and reduce excess inventory.
• Creating reports and dashboards to track KPIs for data-driven decisions.
• Participating in vendor meetings to ensure timely inventory replenishment.
• Developing promotions and markdown plans to drive sales on slow-moving stock.
• Conducting regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel

Data analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in retail management or related field

Tools

JDA

Retalon

Job description

Introduction

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Merchandise Planner to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for retail and a strong understanding of sales trends and consumer behavior. The Merchandise Planner will be responsible for forecasting inventory needs, managing budgets, and maximizing profit margins through effective planning and analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing pre-season and in-season merchandise plans that align with company goals and objectives
• Analyzing sales data, market trends, and historical performance to forecast product demand and pricing strategies
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including buying, product development, and marketing, to ensure merchandise plans are executed effectively
• Monitoring and adjusting inventory levels to optimize sales and minimize excess or obsolete inventory
• Creating reports and dashboards to track key performance metrics and make data-driven decisions
• Participating in vendor meetings and negotiations to ensure timely and cost-effective inventory replenishment
• Developing promotional strategies and markdown plans to drive sales and clearance of slow-moving inventory
• Conducting regular inventory audits and reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in retail management, merchandising, business administration, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in merchandise planning or inventory management in a retail environment
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and data analysis tools
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with tight deadlines
• Experience with merchandise planning software (e.g. JDA, Retalon) is a plus
• Previous planning experience within the Accessories, Office Luggage, Office Automation category will be advantageous