Merchandise Planner, FMCG - Paarl

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Staff discounts

Leave entitlements

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape is seeking a highly organized Merchandise Planner to drive forecasts, stock levels, and replenishment strategies for our store network. You will partner with buyers, suppliers and store operations to translate plans into actionable merchandise allocations and promotions.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, at least three years in merchandise planning or inventory analytics, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related analytical role within the FMCG or retail industry.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in Excel and planning software.
• Excellent understanding of inventory management principles and retail math.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Familiarity with ERP or merchandise planning systems is advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to Paarl, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate sales forecasts and merchandise plans for assigned product categories.
• Determine optimal stock levels and replenishment strategies to meet demand while managing inventory investment.
• Collaborate with buyers to translate assortment plans into detailed merchandise plans.
• Monitor inventory performance, identify slow-moving or overstocked items, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and manage lead times.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for optimizing product mix and inventory flow.
• Support the execution of promotional plans through accurate merchandise allocation.
• Liaise with store operations to ensure effective stock management at the retail level.
• Prepare regular reports on inventory status, forecast accuracy, and merchandise performance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Forecasting

Retail planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field

Tools

Planning software

ERP systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retailer within the FMCG sector, is seeking a highly organized and analytical Merchandise Planner to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This critical role involves planning and forecasting product requirements to ensure optimal stock levels across the store network, maximizing sales and minimizing stockouts or excess inventory. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of retail planning, inventory management, and data analysis. You will work closely with buyers, suppliers, and store operations to align merchandise plans with sales targets and promotional activities. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute significantly to the commercial success of a prominent retail brand in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate sales forecasts and merchandise plans for assigned product categories.
• Determine optimal stock levels and replenishment strategies to meet demand while managing inventory investment.
• Collaborate with buyers to translate assortment plans into detailed merchandise plans.
• Monitor inventory performance, identify slow-moving or overstocked items, and recommend corrective actions.
• Work with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and manage lead times.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for optimizing product mix and inventory flow.
• Support the execution of promotional plans through accurate merchandise allocation.
• Liaise with store operations to ensure effective stock management at the retail level.
• Prepare regular reports on inventory status, forecast accuracy, and merchandise performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or a related analytical role within the FMCG or retail industry.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in Excel and planning software.
• Excellent understanding of inventory management principles and retail math.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Familiarity with ERP or merchandise planning systems is advantageous.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to Paarl, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package appropriate for the role and location.
• Annual bonus based on performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous staff discounts and leave entitlements.
• Opportunities for career progression within a leading retail organization.
• Be part of a company that values meticulous planning and operational efficiency.
• Work in a key role influencing product availability and sales performance.