Retail Merchandising Planner

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 390,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Employee discount on merchandise

Career development opportunities

Influential assortment decisions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Retail Merchandising Planner for our client in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role blends on-site and remote work to analyze sales data, forecast demand, and shape strategic merchandise plans across product categories.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in retail planning, strong Excel and planning software skills, and a keen eye for fashion trends to drive profitable assortment and inventory decisions.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in retail planning, merchandising, allocation, or similar analytical role.
• Proven sales forecasting, demand planning and inventory management experience.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills to interpret complex data.
• Proficiency in retail planning software and advanced Excel.
• Excellent understanding of retail KPIs and financial metrics.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; able to present to management.
• Hybrid work readiness and on-site duties in Polokwane.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, Fashion Merchandising, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Analyze sales data, trends and customer behavior to forecast demand for assigned categories.
• Develop and execute strategic merchandise plans including assortment planning, allocation, and replenishment.
• Collaborate with buying to define product assortments and ensure alignment with brand strategy and customer needs.
• Optimize inventory across all channels to maximize sales and minimize markdowns.
• Manage the Open-to-Buy (OTB) budget for assigned categories.
• Monitor store and online performance and identify opportunities for product placement.
• Prepare and present merchandise plans and performance reports to senior management.
• Coordinate with visual merchandising for effective product presentation.
• Conduct competitive analysis to identify opportunities and threats.
• Improve planning processes and tools.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Forecasting

Retail planning

Excel advanced

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Retail planning software

Excel (advanced)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent fashion retailer with a strong market presence, is seeking a talented and analytical Retail Merchandising Planner to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA . This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for remote work alongside essential on-site planning and strategy sessions. The ideal candidate will be responsible for analyzing sales data, forecasting product demand, and developing strategic merchandise plans to maximize sales and profitability across designated product categories. You will work closely with buying, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time. If you possess a strong understanding of retail planning, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for fashion, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the product offering of a leading brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze sales data, market trends, and customer behavior to forecast product demand for assigned categories.
• Develop and execute strategic merchandise plans, including assortment planning, allocation, and replenishment strategies.
• Collaborate with the buying team to define product assortments and ensure alignment with brand strategy and customer needs.
• Optimize inventory levels across all sales channels to maximize sales and minimize markdowns and stockouts.
• Develop and manage the OTB (Open-to-Buy) budget for assigned product categories.
• Monitor store and online performance, identifying opportunities for improved product placement and sales.
• Prepare and present comprehensive merchandise plans and performance reports to senior management.
• Work closely with visual merchandising teams to ensure effective product presentation in stores.
• Conduct competitive analysis to identify market opportunities and potential threats.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of planning processes and tools.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in retail planning, merchandising, allocation, or a related analytical role within the retail industry.
• Proven experience in sales forecasting, demand planning, and inventory management.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Proficiency in retail planning software and advanced Excel skills are essential.
• Excellent understanding of retail KPIs and financial metrics.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work with on-site meetings.
• A keen eye for fashion trends and a passion for the retail industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, Fashion Merchandising, or a related field.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA for required on-site duties.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering a balance of flexibility and collaboration.
• Significant employee discount on merchandise.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth in merchandising.
• Be part of influential product assortment decisions.
• Work within a dynamic and reputable retail organization.