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.

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