Retail Inventory Planner - WhatJobs Direct

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Career growth

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Retail Inventory Planner to drive demand forecasting and inventory optimization in Bloemfontein. You will work with merchandising, sales and logistics to balance product availability with minimal excess stock.

Responsibilities include forecasting, replenishment planning, stock movement monitoring, and performance reporting to leadership, all aimed at supporting the retail brand in the Free State.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP software.
• Experience in retail supply chain is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts for a wide range of retail products.
• Optimize inventory levels across distribution centers and retail stores to meet sales targets while minimizing holding costs.
• Plan and execute inventory replenishment strategies, including placing purchase orders and managing lead times.
• Collaborate with merchandising and buying teams to ensure alignment between inventory plans and product assortment.
• Monitor inventory performance, identifying slow-moving items and developing strategies for clearance or redistribution.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and promotional impacts to refine forecasting and inventory models.
• Manage stock adjustments, cycle counts, and physical inventories to ensure accuracy.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the inventory management function.
• Provide regular reports on inventory levels, turnover rates, and forecast accuracy to management in Bloemfontein.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Quantitative skills

MS Excel

Communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Oracle ERP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading retail company, is looking for a highly analytical and organized Retail Inventory Planner to join their team in Bloemfontein. This critical role involves managing stock levels, forecasting demand, and optimizing inventory across the distribution network to ensure product availability while minimizing excess stock. The ideal candidate will possess strong quantitative skills, a keen understanding of retail supply chain dynamics, and the ability to make data-driven decisions. You will work closely with various departments, including merchandising, sales, and logistics, to ensure efficient inventory flow and support the overall business strategy. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the operational efficiency of a well-established retail brand within the Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts for a wide range of retail products.
• Optimize inventory levels across distribution centers and retail stores to meet sales targets while minimizing holding costs.
• Plan and execute inventory replenishment strategies, including placing purchase orders and managing lead times.
• Collaborate with merchandising and buying teams to ensure alignment between inventory plans and product assortment.
• Monitor inventory performance, identifying slow-moving items and developing strategies for clearance or redistribution.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and promotional impacts to refine forecasting and inventory models.
• Manage stock adjustments, cycle counts, and physical inventories to ensure accuracy.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Identify and implement process improvements within the inventory management function.
• Provide regular reports on inventory levels, turnover rates, and forecast accuracy to management in Bloemfontein.

Requirements

• Proven experience in inventory planning, demand forecasting, or supply chain management within the retail sector.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in statistical analysis and modeling.
• Experience with inventory management software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced functions like pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis tools.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Statistics, or a related field.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently in Bloemfontein.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity.
• Knowledge of retail operations and sales cycles is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth in supply chain and operations.
• A stable and supportive work environment within a respected retail organization.
• Contribution to optimizing the supply chain for a major retailer in Bloemfontein.