Remote Senior Merchandising Planner

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Bonus program

Health insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Senior Merchandising Planner in South Africa to drive seasonal and annual product plans, forecast demand, and optimize inventory across channels. The role requires strong analytical ability, advanced Excel skills, and experience with planning systems.

You will collaborate with buying, design, and marketing to define assortments, manage budgets, and provide strategic insights to senior management while working independently in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in retail merchandising planning or related analytical role.
• Proven track record with merchandise plans and financial targets.
• Strong Excel and planning software skills; experience with retail math and OTB processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise plans to hit sales, margin, and inventory targets.
• Forecast product demand from sales data and market trends.
• Collaborate with buying, design, and marketing to define assortments.
• Manage inventory across channels and optimize stock flow.
• Develop open-to-buy plans and manage budgets for product categories.
• Identify risks and opportunities and propose proactive solutions.
• Provide post-season analysis and insights for future planning.
• Create reports and presentations for senior management.
• Ensure product strategy aligns with company objectives and brand.

Skills

Excel

Forecasting

Data analysis

OTB planning

Education

BBA / Finance

Tools

JDA

SAP

Oracle Retail

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national fashion retailer, is seeking a highly analytical and strategic Remote Senior Merchandising Planner. This position is critical for driving the product assortment strategy and ensuring optimal inventory levels across all sales channels, with a focus on maximizing profitability and meeting customer demand. This is a fully remote role, offering flexibility while demanding a high level of self-discipline and strategic acumen. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in retail planning, financial forecasting, and a deep understanding of market trends. You will be instrumental in shaping the product offerings and ensuring our client's inventory strategy aligns with sales goals and customer preferences. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and mitigating risks within the product lifecycle. Your expertise will guide purchasing decisions and contribute significantly to the success of the Mossel Bay based product teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal and annual merchandise plans to achieve sales, margin, and inventory targets.
• Analyze sales data, historical performance, and market trends to forecast product demand accurately.
• Collaborate with buying, design, and marketing teams to define product assortments and strategies.
• Manage inventory levels effectively across all distribution channels, optimizing stock flow and minimizing markdowns.
• Develop and maintain open-to-buy (OTB) plans and manage financial budgets for specific product categories.
• Identify potential risks and opportunities related to inventory and sales performance, proposing proactive solutions.
• Monitor product performance, conduct post-season analysis, and provide insights for future planning.
• Create detailed reports and presentations on merchandising plans and performance for senior management.
• Ensure alignment of the product strategy with the overall company objectives and brand positioning.
• Mentor and guide junior planning staff, fostering a collaborative and data-driven planning environment.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in retail merchandising planning, buying, or a related analytical role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing merchandise plans and achieving financial targets.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with advanced proficiency in Excel and planning software.
• Experience with retail planning systems (e.g., JDA, SAP, Oracle Retail) is highly desirable.
• Excellent understanding of retail math, inventory management principles, and OTB processes.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, or a related field.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proactive mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience in the fashion or apparel retail sector is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Fully remote work arrangement offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Retirement savings contributions.
• Significant employee discount on a wide range of fashion apparel.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in advanced retail planning techniques.
• Access to cutting-edge planning tools and technologies.
• A supportive remote team environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
• Work with a respected brand in the retail industry.