Sports Merchandise Manager

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 480.000 - 720.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Staff discounts

Professional development

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking an experienced Sports Merchandise Manager to oversee the full merchandise lifecycle—from product selection and sourcing to inventory control and sales performance analysis. The role blends strategic planning with hands-on operational management.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field and at least 5 years in sports retail merchandising, with strong negotiation, data analysis, and supplier relationship skills.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in merchandise management, retail buying, or product management within the sports industry.
• Proven track record in product sourcing, negotiation, and inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.

Aufgaben

• Develop and execute the merchandise strategy in line with company objectives and market demands.
• Source and select a diverse range of high-quality sports products from suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
• Manage inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability while minimizing overstock and stockouts.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify product opportunities and risks.
• Plan and oversee product launches, promotions, and visual merchandising strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to drive product awareness and sales.
• Monitor product performance and provide regular reports on key metrics, such as sales, margin, and inventory turnover.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Ensure efficient supply chain and logistics operations for merchandise.
• Stay abreast of the latest innovations and trends in the sports retail industry.

Kenntnisse

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

MS Excel

Retail knowledge

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Inventory management software

ERP systems

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing retailer specializing in sports apparel and equipment, is seeking an experienced Sports Merchandise Manager to join their team in Polokwane, Limpopo. This critical role will be responsible for overseeing the entire merchandise lifecycle, from product selection and sourcing to inventory management and sales performance analysis. The ideal candidate will possess a keen eye for market trends, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the sports retail landscape. You will play a key role in ensuring our client offers a compelling and up-to-date range of products that meet the demands of sports enthusiasts in Polokwane and the surrounding regions. This position involves a blend of strategic planning and hands-on operational management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the merchandise strategy in line with company objectives and market demands.
• Source and select a diverse range of high-quality sports products from suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
• Manage inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability while minimizing overstock and stockouts.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and competitor activities to identify product opportunities and risks.
• Plan and oversee product launches, promotions, and visual merchandising strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to drive product awareness and sales.
• Monitor product performance and provide regular reports on key metrics, such as sales, margin, and inventory turnover.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Ensure efficient supply chain and logistics operations for merchandise.
• Stay abreast of the latest innovations and trends in the sports retail industry.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandise management, retail buying, or product management within the sports industry.
• Proven track record in product sourcing, negotiation, and inventory management.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends.
• Excellent understanding of the sports retail market and consumer behavior.
• Proficiency in inventory management software and MS Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Experience with visual merchandising concepts is a plus.
• Ability to travel periodic for supplier meetings and trade shows as needed.
• A passion for sports and a commitment to delivering excellent customer experiences in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and a retirement fund. This hybrid role provides flexibility, combining office-based responsibilities in Polokwane with remote work capabilities. Employees benefit from staff discounts on merchandise and opportunities for professional development within the retail sector. You will be part of a dynamic and growing company with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and product excellence.