Merchandise Planner - FMCG Retail Operations

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is seeking a meticulous Merchandise Planner to optimize inventory and drive sales across FMCG retail outlets. The role demands strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and experience in merchandising or inventory management within FMCG.

You will develop merchandise plans, analyze trends, forecast demand, manage stock across locations, and collaborate with buyers and store operations to execute plans and report on KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Statistics, Supply Chain or related field.
• 3+ years of merchandise planning, inventory management or similar FMCG retail role.
• Strong analytical and forecasting capability with data analysis skills.
• Experience with ERP or retail planning software and Excel proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed merchandise plans for product categories.
• Analyze sales data, trends and promotions to forecast demand.
• Manage inventory across multiple retail locations to balance stock and turns.
• Collaborate with buyers, vendors and store ops to implement plans.
• Monitor inventory performance and address slow-moving stock.
• Assist in seasonal and promotional merchandise strategies.
• Generate KPI reports on inventory, sales and margin.
• Maintain accurate product and inventory records in planning systems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Statistics, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Retail planning software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) retail space, is seeking a meticulous and analytical Merchandise Planner to join their operations team in Kimberley, Northern Cape . This role is critical for ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time, optimizing inventory levels, and maximizing sales potential within retail outlets. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative skills, a keen eye for detail, and experience in retail planning or inventory management within the FMCG sector . This is a great opportunity to contribute to the smooth functioning of retail operations and drive business success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed merchandise plans for assigned product categories to meet sales, margin, and inventory turnover goals.
• Analyze sales data, historical trends, and promotional plans to forecast product demand accurately.
• Manage inventory levels across multiple retail locations, ensuring optimal stock availability while minimizing excess inventory and stockouts.
• Collaborate with buyers, vendors, and store operations teams to ensure timely delivery and effective execution of merchandise plans.
• Monitor product performance and identify slow-moving or at-risk inventory, recommending appropriate actions.
• Assist in the planning and execution of seasonal and promotional merchandise strategies.
• Generate reports on key performance indicators related to inventory, sales, and margin.
• Maintain accurate product information and inventory records within the planning systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve planning processes and enhance inventory management practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Statistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, allocation, or a similar role, preferably within the FMCG retail industry .
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with proficiency in data analysis and forecasting.
• Experience with retail planning software or ERP systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Understanding of retail operations and the FMCG product lifecycle .
• Experience working within the Kimberley, Northern Cape area is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development within a dynamic retail environment. Employees will gain valuable experience in merchandise planning for leading FMCG brands . The role provides a stable and supportive work environment in Kimberley , contributing to the essential operational success of the business. This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in retail planning and contribute directly to store performance.