Commercial Manager (Planning)

About the position

A leading fashion retail company is looking for an experienced Commercial Manager (Planning) with strong experience in merchandise and financial planning within a fast-paced, trend-driven environment to join their team in Cape Town. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading end-to-end category planning, managing high SKU volumes, mitigating seasonal fashion risk, and driving profitability through effective forecasting and in-season trade management. This is a senior-level opportunity suited to a commercially astute planner who thrives in a dynamic retail environment and can influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead merchandise and financial planning across assigned categories.
  
  
• Drive forecasting, Open-to-Buy (OTB) management, and full product lifecycle planning (newness, re-buys, chase, and exit strategies).
  
  
• Deliver on sales, gross profit, margin, and inventory targets.
  
  
• Improve sell-through and stock turn while reducing markdowns and excess stock.
  
  
• Conduct detailed data analysis to inform strategic and in-season trading decisions.
  
  
• Plan at store and cluster level to optimise range efficiency and reduce non-performing lines.
  
  
• Collaborate closely with Buying, Design, Supply Chain, and senior leadership.
  
  
• Own categories end-to-end and provide mentorship to junior planners.
  
  

Requirements:

• 5–10+ years’ experience in merchandise or financial planning within fashion retail (fashion accessories advantageous).
  
  
• Proven track record of managing high SKU volumes and seasonal risk.
  
  
• Strong expertise in forecasting, OTB management, and lifecycle planning.
  
  
• Advanced analytical skills with Advanced Excel proficiency.
  
  
• Experience working with merchandise planning systems.
  
  
• Strong commercial acumen and in-season trading capability.
  
  
• Demonstrated stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  
  
• Tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Finance, Fashion Management, or related field.
  
  

Benefits:

• Salary: negotiable.

Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move.

Apply for this role today, contact Abigail King at Hire Resolve or on LinkedIn.

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We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.

Desired Skills:

• Commercial Manager (Planning)
• Commercial Manager (Planning)
• Commercial Manager (Planning)