Merchandise Planner - Cape Union Mart

Cape Union Mart Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Union Mart Group’s Outdoor Merchandise Team is seeking a confident, energetic Senior Merchandise Planner to own end-to-end planning with strong analytical and numerical abilities. You will manage seasonal and in-season merchandise financial plans, budgets, and Open-to-Buy (OTB) using performance data and trading insights.

The role requires resilience and agility in a fast-paced retail environment, with cross-functional collaboration across Stores, Supply Chain, IT, Marketing and Ecommerce.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in BCom, Economics, Supply Chain or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in Retail Merchandise Planning.
• Microsoft Office proficiency with advanced Excel experience is essential.
• Working knowledge of merchandise planning and reporting systems.
• Proven experience within a retail environment.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage seasonal and in-season merchandise financial plans (sales, margin, markdowns, stock and turn) at department and category level.
• Develop and regularly review budgets, forecasts and Open-to-Buy (OTB) using historical performance, trend analysis and trading insights.
• Drive assortment, range and size-curve planning aligned to store clusters, customer demographics and channel requirements.
• Actively manage in-season trading, identifying risks and opportunities and implementing timely corrective actions such as markdowns, re-phasing and stock transfers.
• Control inventory levels in line with plans to maximise profitability and achieve financial and stock KPIs.
• Manage replenishment lines to ensure optimal availability and sell-through.
• Deliver and implement post-season analysis, translating insights into actionable improvements for future seasons.
• Drive departmental strategy execution in collaboration with Buying, Allocation and cross-functional teams.
• Partner effectively with Stores, Supply Chain, IT, Marketing and Ecommerce to ensure accurate and on-time execution.
• Support, guide and mentor the departmental allocator, ensuring accurate stock allocation and strong administrative discipline.
• Maintain accurate planning data and reporting within merchandise planning systems and advanced Excel models.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Education

BCom / Economics / Supply Chain

Tools

Merchandise planning systems

Excel modelling tools

Job description

An opportunity has become available in ourOutdoor Merchandise Teamfor a confident, energetic, and resilientMerchandise Plannerwho can think laterally and who has the strong analytical, logical reasoning and numerical abilities required to oversee the merchandise planning for department allocated.

Our ideal candidate is a self‑motivated Senior Merchandise Planner who aligns with the company vision and takes ownership of the end‑to‑end merchandise planning process within their area of responsibility. The role requires high energy, resilience and agility to succeed in a fast‑paced and dynamic retail environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Own and manage seasonal and in‑season merchandise financial plans (sales, margin, markdowns, stock and turn) at department and category level
• Develop and regularly review budgets, forecasts and Open‑to‑Buy (OTB) using historical performance, trend analysis and trading insights
• Drive assortment, range and size‑curve planning aligned to store clusters, customer demographics and channel requirements
• Actively manage in‑season trading, identifying risks and opportunities and implementing timely corrective actions such as markdowns, re‑phasing and stock transfers
• Control inventory levels in line with plans to maximise profitability and achieve financial and stock KPIs.
• Manage replenishment lines to ensure optimal availability and sell‑through
• Deliver and implement post‑season analysis, translating insights into actionable improvements for future seasons
• Drive departmental strategy execution in collaboration with Buying, Allocation and cross‑functional teams
• Partner effectively with Stores, Supply Chain, IT, Marketing and Ecommerce to ensure accurate and on‑time execution
• Support, guide and mentor the departmental allocator, ensuring accurate stock allocation and strong administrative discipline
• Maintain accurate planning data and reporting within merchandise planning systems and advanced Excel models

Experience & Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in BCom, Economics, Supply Chain or a related field
• 3+ years’ experience in Retail Merchandise Planning
• Microsoft Office proficiency with advanced excel experience is essential
• Working knowledge of merchandise planning and reporting systems
• Proven experience within a retail environment

Competencies Required

• Strong commercial and trader mindset, with the ability to convert insights into action
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Sound numerical and logical thinking to support effective decision‑making
• Strong planning, organising and coordination skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team
• Detail‑orientated with a methodical and accurate approach
• Ability to prioritize and perform under pressure
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast‑changing environment
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• Natural coach and mentor with influencing ability
• Alignment with values of Trust, Innovation and Passion

Please note: The Cape Union Mart Group is committed to transformation. Appointments and promotions will be made based on candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. Candidates that enhance the diversity of the team will be given preference, in line with our Employment Equity plan.