Retail Planner

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.

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.