Merchandise Planner

Browns Jewellers; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading jewellery retailer in Johannesburg is looking for a Merchandise Planner to develop and manage merchandise financial plans. The ideal candidate will have 4-5 years of experience in merchandise planning and strong analytical skills. The role involves collaborating with various teams to optimize inventory and drive sales. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and proficiency in Excel are required.

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of experience in merchandise planning or financial analysis required.
• Experience in retail, fashion, e-commerce or consumer goods preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise financial plans.
• Monitor and analyze sales and inventory levels.
• Forecast product demand and adjust plans accordingly.
• Create and manage open-to-buy budgets.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure balanced assortments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Attention to profitability

Retail experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or related field

Tools

Advanced Excel

Planning tools

Job description

Overview

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for developing and managing merchandise financial plans to drive sales, optimize inventory, and maximize profitability. Working closely with buyers, merchandisers, supply chain, and the BI team, this role plays a critical part in forecasting demand, planning assortments, and ensuring stock aligns with business goals. We’re looking for someone with a positive attitude, who enjoys solving problems, takes initiative, and is committed to growing both their skills and their professional brand in the jewellery industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise financial plans by category, subcategory, and channel.
• Monitor and analyze sales, margin, inventory levels, and sell-through to identify trends and opportunities.
• Forecast product demand and intake, adjusting plans based on performance and external factors.
• Create and manage open-to-buy (OTB) budgets.
• Collaborate with buying and products teams to build balanced assortments aligned with financial targets.
• Work closely with the allocation team to ensure correct product distribution across channels or stores.
• Partner with supply chain/logistics to ensure inventory flow aligns with promotional calendars and launch schedules.
• Support markdown planning and stock clearance strategies to optimize margin and reduce aged stock.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to key stakeholders, including trade reviews and post-season analysis.
• Leverage BI tools and dashboards to enhance decision-making and efficiency.
• Managing of merchandise planners and coaching of junior members.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Business, Merchandising, Finance, or a related field.
• 4-5 years of experience in merchandise planning, general analytics and planning or financial analysis.
• Managing of subordinates.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Commercial mindset with attention to profitability and customer behavior.
• Advanced Excel and/or planning tools.
• Experience in retail, fashion, e-commerce or consumer goods preferred but not required.