Strategic Merchandise Planning Lead

Pepkor Speciality; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

CODE Support Office in the Western Cape seeks a Planning Manager to lead end-to-end merchandise, location, and assortment planning across store formats. You will drive margin growth, forecast accuracy, and data-informed retail execution, reporting to the CEO and guiding a high-performing team.

Key responsibilities include consolidating seasonal plans, enabling stock turns, and collaborating with Buying, Marketing, Operations, IT and Distribution to align supply chain objectives.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or diploma in merchandising, retail management, B.Comm, B.Sc or business management.
• 5–8 years of merchandise planning experience in clothing/footwear retail, with 2–3 years at senior management level.
• Experience leading cross-functional strategic initiatives and stock turn optimisation.
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets at an advanced level.
• Strong understanding of retail merchandise cycles, margin drivers and local market trends.

Responsibilities

• Formulate, deliver, and execute consolidated seasonal merchandise, location, and assortment plans.
• Drive net margin optimisation and accurate monthly forecasting to exceed targets.
• Lead seasonal range reviews with analytics, size curve optimisation, and critical path execution.
• Drive total stock turns across seasonal and non-seasonal apparel, footwear, and accessories.
• Implement markdown and clearance strategies to minimise aged inventory and maximise cash flow.
• Manage closing stock and store allocation reflecting local demand.
• Provide accurate merchandise planning reports and forecasts to optimise opportunities and manage risk.
• Utilise data insights to manage performance deviations and refine assortment depth.
• Recruit, coach, and develop a high-energy planning and allocation team.
• Foster accountability, learning, and succession readiness.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Cross-functional leadership

Excel proficiency

Retail analytics

Data storytelling

Education

Degree in Merchandising / Business

Tools

Retail planning systems

Job description

CODE Support Office in the Western Cape seeks a Planning Manager to lead end-to-end merchandise, location, and assortment planning across store formats. You will drive margin growth, forecast accuracy, and data-informed retail execution, reporting to the CEO and guiding a high-performing team.

Key responsibilities include consolidating seasonal plans, enabling stock turns, and collaborating with Buying, Marketing, Operations, IT and Distribution to align supply chain objectives.