Merchandise Planner

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health and retirement benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a data-driven Merchandise Planner to support retail operations in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will forecast, plan, and optimize inventory to meet demand while minimizing excess stock, partnering with buying, allocation, and stores to place the right products at the right time.

This hybrid role requires strong analytical skills, expertise in Excel and planning software, and the ability to collaborate across functions in a dynamic retail environment, with occasional travel to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in merchandise planning or retail analytics.
• Strong Excel and planning software proficiency.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams in a dynamic retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal and weekly merchandise plans and forecasts.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and inventory performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Determine optimal product assortment and allocation strategies for different store locations.
• Collaborate with the buying team on product selection and order quantities.
• Monitor inventory levels and implement strategies to manage stock turns and reduce markdowns.
• Work with store operations teams to ensure effective product presentation and availability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel

Forecasting

Cross-functional

Communication

Retail analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, or a related field

Tools

Planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a data-driven and strategic Merchandise Planner to join their team, supporting retail operations in Polokwane and surrounding areas in Limpopo . This role is responsible for forecasting, planning, and optimizing inventory levels to meet demand while minimizing excess stock. You will collaborate closely with buying, allocation, and store teams to ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time. This hybrid role allows for flexible working arrangements while requiring regular engagement with the retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal and weekly merchandise plans and forecasts.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and inventory performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Determine optimal product assortment and allocation strategies for different store locations.
• Collaborate with the buying team on product selection and order quantities.
• Monitor inventory levels and implement strategies to manage stock turns and reduce markdowns.
• Work with the store operations teams to ensure effective product presentation and availability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or retail analytics.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in Excel and planning software.
• Excellent understanding of retail math and forecasting methodologies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic retail environment, with occasional travel to Polokwane as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus opportunity.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth in retail planning and strategy.
• Be a key player in shaping the product offerings of a major retailer.