Merchandising Planner

Manpower Group SA (Pty) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail recruitment agency based in Johannesburg is seeking a Merchandising Planner. The role involves developing financial plans, optimizing inventory, and collaborating with various teams. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in merchandise planning and strong proficiency in retail planning software. This position offers a dynamic work environment with potential travel to stores and distribution centres.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or financial analysis within a retail environment.
• Proven track record of achieving financial targets and optimizing inventory.
• Strong proficiency in retail planning software and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage financial plans by category, ensuring alignment with objectives.
• Monitor and analyze business performance, identifying trends and risks.
• Manage inventory levels to minimize overstocks and out-of-stocks.
• Develop forecasts using historical data and market trends.

Skills

Analytical Acumen

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Detail-Oriented

Adaptability

Collaboration

Business Acumen

Education

Tertiary qualification in business, Finance, Merchandising, or related field

Tools

Syspro

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Our client based in Aeroton, Johannesburg is seeking a Merchandising Planner to join their team.

MAIN JOB FUNCTIONS : PLANNING & ANALYSIS :

• Develop and manage top-down and bottom-up financial plans (sales, margin, inventory, open-to-buy) by category, sub-category, and season, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Monitor and analyze business performance against plans, identifying trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Conduct comprehensive post-mortem analyses of key assortments, promotions, and seasons to inform future strategies.
• Prepare and present weekly, monthly, and seasonal business review to senior leadership

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT :

Manage the open-to-buy process to ensure optimal inventory levels, minimizing overstocks and out-of-stocks.

Oversee the allocation and replenishment strategies to maximize sales and inventory efficiency across all channels.

Develop and implement inventory liquidation strategies for clearance and aged inventory.

Collaborate with the buying team on initial assortment buys and seasonal planning.

FORECASTING & REPORTING :

Develop accurate sales, inventory, and markdown forecasts using historical data, market trends, and promotional calendars.

Create and maintain detailed reports and dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide actionable insights.

Utilize planning software and tools to enhance forecasting accuracy and efficiency – Syspro understanding would be an advantage

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION :

Partner closely with the Merchandising / Buying team to develop seasonal strategies, identify product opportunities, and manage vendor relationships.

Collaborate with Marketing to align promotional strategies with inventory availability and financial goals.

Work with Operations / Supply Chain to ensure timely delivery of goods and efficient inventory flow.

Interface with Finance to ensure financial plans are aligned with broader company financial objectives.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES :

Analytical Acumen : Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights.

Strategic Thinking : Ability to develop long-term plans and execute strategic initiatives. Communication : Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to various stakeholders.

Detail-Oriented : High attention to detail and accuracy in financial calculations and data analysis.

Adaptability : Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Collaboration : Proven ability to build strong relationships and work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Business Acumen : Solid understanding of retail financial metrics, supply chain processes, and consumer buying behaviours.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

Primarily office-based with occasional travel to stores, distribution centres, or vendor meetings as required.

May require extended hours during peak seasons or critical business periods.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

Tertiary qualification in business, Finance, Merchandising, or a related field.

5 or more years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or financial analysis within a retail environment

Proven track record of achieving financial targets and optimizing inventory.

Strong proficiency in retail planning software and advanced excel skills

Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.