Sports Merchandise Manager (Hybrid) — Growth & Strategy

Placements24; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Staff discounts

Professional development

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

MS Excel

Retail knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Inventory management software

ERP systems

Job description

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.