Merchandise Planner

SUMMARY:
Our client is seeking a confident and analytical Merchandise Planner to join their retail and wholesale team.
If you're passionate about data, forecasting, and driving results through smart planning, this is your chance to make an impact.
You’ll work closely with Buyers, Stores, and Wholesalers to ensure optimal stock levels and support strategic decision-making.
Bring your energy, Excel expertise, and planning precision, and help shape success, one plan at a time!

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements:

• Matric.
• Relevant Business degree (Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, or Quantitative Management).
• 2 to 3 years’ experience within Demand Planning.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Retail planning knowledge.
• Analytical skills.
• Superb communication skills in both Afrikaans and English.
• Knowledge of outdoor, hunting, or pet-related products will be advantageous.

• Energetic, self-motivated and goal oriented.
• Ability to work under pressure and according to tight deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Analytical thinking and the ability to address problems with stakeholders.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems timeously and effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and people skills.
• Must be organised and able to plan ahead.
• Adaptability and flexibility under changing circumstances.
• Interest and experience in new system development.

• Ensure the availability of stock within set parameters and OTBs.
• Review replenishment orders of buyers and identify opportunities to transfer stock between stores.
• Liaise and build relationships with buyers, stores, and suppliers.
• Monitor and understand demand plan accuracy with the aim of minimising stockouts, aged stock, and expired stock.
• Drive weekly planning meetings with all relevant buyers.
• Plan and host meetings as a middleman for wholesalers and buyers when reviewing ranges or planning promotions.
• Demonstrate excellent capability in the use of systems (Netstock, Power BI, and Acumatica) for planning and analytical purposes.
• Develop and implement new systems or functions within the above-mentioned programmes.
• Set and monitor OTBs, drive data integrity, and ensure all targets are loaded and available.
• Liaise with buyers and stores regarding outstanding orders.
• Pull and set up reports and conduct analyses on an ad hoc basis using Excel.
• Forecast sales based on historical demand and future drives or promotions.
• Report on the performance of promotions.
• Work out projected orders.
• Work closely with wholesalers and buyers when placing purchase orders.
• Review ranges with buyers, wholesalers, and suppliers and select or discontinue products based on historical data.
• Identify problems with GP, GMROI, and Forward Cover, and manage them with the relevant buyer.
• Plan stock holding when opening new stores and ensure this is done timeously and accurately.
• Report on monthly figures in Steercom meetings, answer arising questions proactively, and provide explanations where necessary.
• Monitor system updates, check for potential issues, report them to the appropriate parties, and drive timely resolution to minimise system disruption.
• Take store space into account when placing orders.
• Conduct seasonal buys with relevant buyers and ensure decisions are based on performance and fit within the OTB.
• Ensure import orders are catered for in cash flow planning.
• Present reports and findings based on analyses.