Merchandise Planner

Recruiter:

Future Careers

Job Ref:

Fut-MP

Date posted:

Monday, May 11, 2026

Location:

Durban, South Africa

Salary:

Market related

SUMMARY:
A leading fashion retailer in Durban is in search of a Merchandise Planner to join their team. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented and commercially driven planning professional with experience in fashion retail, merchandise planning, forecasting, and inventory management.

POSITION INFO:

The Merchandise Planner will be responsible for driving sales and profitability through effective merchandise financial planning, stock management, forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will work closely with buying, allocation, and operations teams to ensure optimal product performance and stock efficiency across the business.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyse sales, stock, and product performance to identify opportunities and risks
• Assist with trade planning and provide actionable insights to improve sales and profitability
• Work closely with buying, allocation, logistics, marketing, finance, and store operations teams
• Manage stock levels and assist with OTB (Open-to-Buy) management
• Monitor weekly, monthly, and seasonal performance to support planning decisions
• Assist in developing pre-season sales, margin, and inventory plans
• Create and update forecasts based on current trade performance and trends
• Support inventory optimization to improve sell-through and reduce markdowns
• Coordinate replenishment and stock allocation activities
• Monitor aged stock and assist with stock health management
• Participate in assortment planning and product allocation processes
• Assist with store grading and unit buy calculations
• Support range planning and assortment strategies aligned to business goals
• Maintain accurate planning reports and trade documentation

Desired Experience & Qualification

Grade 12 / Matric
Relevant 3-year Degree or Diploma in Business, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or similar
5–7 years’ retail planning experience within fashion apparel, accessories, or footwear
Strong understanding of forecasting, budgeting, retail KPIs, and inventory management
Advanced Excel and planning systems proficiency
Experience using planning and BI tools

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