About the position
Job Title: Retail Planner
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Role Overview
An established design-led retail brand with a global footprint is seeking an experienced Retail Planner to manage strategic merchandise planning, stock forecasting, and inventory allocation across physical stores and eCommerce. This role plays a pivotal part in driving profitability through data-led planning and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
Merchandise Planning & Forecasting
- Develop and maintain seasonal merchandise financial plans that align with business sales and margin targets.
- Prepare detailed sales forecasts based on historical data, trends, and promotional strategies.
- Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets and ensure alignment with buying cycles.
Inventory Management & Stock Control
- Monitor and manage stock levels across stores, warehouse, and online platforms.
- Drive replenishment, markdowns, and stock balancing actions to maximise profitability.
- Analyse product performance to inform purchasing, markdown, and clearance strategies.
Reporting & Analysis
- Deliver regular sales, stock, and margin reports with actionable recommendations.
- Track sell-through, stock turn, and inventory health KPIs by channel, category, and region.
- Forecast and manage product lifecycle from launch to end-of-life.
Allocation & Distribution
- Execute stock allocations to stores and online channels based on forecasted demand and store capacity.
- Ensure optimal product availability and assortment tailored to customer profiles and regional sales trends.
- Manage seasonal product launches and new store openings with appropriate stock planning.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Collaborate with Buying, eCommerce, Product Development, and Retail Operations teams to align on sales objectives and promotional calendars.
- Work with the Marketing and Visual Merchandising teams to support campaign-driven planning.
- Provide planning support for merchandising strategies and store layout decisions.
Requirements
- Bachelors Degree in Commerce, Retail Management, Business, or related field.
- 3-5 years experience in retail planning, preferably in a fast-paced, design-driven or luxury retail environment.
- Strong proficiency in Excel (formulas, pivot tables, data modelling) and exposure to planning software (e.g. JustEnough, SAP, Retail Pro).
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills and commercial awareness.
- Ability to translate data into actionable insights and communicate clearly across departments.
- Self-starter with strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
Preferred Qualities
- Experience in premium or luxury homeware, fashion, or lifestyle brands.
- Passion for aesthetics, design, and product-led retail environments.
- Agile thinker with a strong eye for detail and customer behavior trends.
Desired Skills:
- ecommerce
- retail
- merchandise planning
- Distribution
- Supply Planning
Desired Work Experience:
- 2 to 5 years Fabricated Metal Manufacturing
- 2 to 5 years Retail
About The Employer:
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary with potential for growth.
- Creative and collaborative working environment in the heart of Cape Town.
- Opportunity to contribute to the success of an iconic South African brand with global reach.
- Staff discounts and employee development initiatives.
