Merchandise Planning Manager

HuntWave Technologies; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion retail tech company in Cape Town is looking for a Merchandise Planning Manager. This role focuses on optimizing merchandise strategies using analytics and AI-powered tools. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in fashion retail and a strong analytical background. Responsibilities include seasonal planning, inventory management, and pricing strategy, all aimed at enhancing profitability and value for customers.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in merchandise planning, buying, or allocation in fashion retail.
• 2+ years in management with high-growth retail experience.
• Strong quantitative skills with experience in planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Build seasonal and in-season merchandise strategies.
• Use technology to optimize inventory across various markets.
• Collaborate on pricing and margin planning.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Analytical skills

AI-powered tools

Leadership

Tools

SQL

Python

Job description

Our Clientis reimagining fashion retail in emerging markets. They are a venture-backed company on a mission to build the worlds leading AI-powered off -price retail business, starting in Africa and scaling globally. They use cutting-edge AI and technology to reinvent off-price retail : predicting demand, optimizing pricing, and managing inventory flows with precision. By combining sharp fashion curation with data-driven decision-making, Our Client delivers unbeatable value for customers while unlocking new opportunities for suppliers worldwide. Our Client is Africa's fastest-growing fashion company, and this is just the beginning.

The Role :

We are seeking a Merchandise Planning Manager to own and scale merchandise planning across categories, geographies, and channels. This role sits at the intersection of analytics, technology, and commercial instinct. You will drive planning, forecasting, and profitability optimization using both retail expertise and AI-powered tools unique to Our Client. Operating with high autonomy, you will partner with Buying, Supply Chain, Data, and Finance to ensure we consistently deliver the best assortment at unbeatable value to customers.

Key Responsibilities :

Merchandise & Financial Planning :

• Build seasonal and in-season merchandise strategies across categories and markets.
• Develop Open-to-Buy (OTB) frameworks that align with growth, margin, and cash flow targets.
• Partner with Buying to guide assortment breadth, depth, and timing.

AI-Powered Inventory & Allocation :

Use technology and forecasting models to optimize inventory across stores, online, and markets.

Apply AI-driven allocation strategies to maximize sell-through and minimize markdowns.

Pricing & Profitability :

Collaborate with pricing and data science teams to refine dynamic pricing and markdown strategies.

Own margin planning and KPI tracking, ensuring profitability goals are consistently achieved.

Market-Specific Forecasting :

Adapt demand forecasts to reflect the realities of emerging markets (seasonality, income cycles, consumer behavior).

Identify opportunities for fast pivots, cross-market transfers, or opportunistic buys.

What Were Looking For :

Experience : 8+ years in merchandise planning, buying, or allocation in fashion / apparel retail. 2+ years in management with high-growth retail experience is a strong plus.

Analytical Strength : Strong quantitative skills with experience in planning tools, BI platforms; SQL / Python a plus.

Tech Orientation : Comfortable working with AI-powered planning and forecasting systems.

Emerging Market Insight : Intuition for consumer dynamics, supply chain realities, and retail opportunities in fast-growing markets.

Entrepreneurial Spirit : Thrives in ambiguity, works autonomously, and moves quickly to capture opportunities.

Leadership : Able to influence across functions and drive initiatives with impact.