Merchandise Planner (Beauty & Cosmetics), Cape Town

• Our client is seeking an exceptional Merchandise Planner (Beauty & Cosmetics) to join a high-performing team where analytical ability, commercial thinking and a passion for retail come together. This is an exciting opportunity for a high-calibre individual with the ambition, energy and potential to make a real impact in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.
• If you are passionate about beauty and cosmetics, love working with data and have the commercial instinct to turn insights into results, this role offers the opportunity to take ownership, influence product availability and contribute directly to sales, profitability and business growth.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• A relevant degree in Commerce, Supply Chain Management, Statistics, Business Analytics or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years years’ experience in merchandise planning within a retail or consumer goods environment, ideally with exposure to beauty and cosmetics.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret complex sales and inventory data and translate it into sound commercial decisions.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in MS Office, with the ability to work confidently with large datasets and reporting tools.
• Experience using ERP systems is essential. Familiarity with LS Retail would be advantageous, together with the ability to adapt quickly to new systems and technology.
• A sound understanding of retail economics, including sales, gross margin, stock turn, stock cover, working capital and return on inventory investment.
• A genuine interest in AI, automation and digital tools, with the confidence to use approved AI solutions to improve planning accuracy, efficiency and productivity.
• A proactive, deadline-driven individual with strong attention to detail, commercial acumen, initiative and the ambition to excel in a high-performance environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate SKU-level demand forecasts, taking into account sales trends, seasonality, promotions, new product launches, online demand and store requirements.
• Manage purchasing requirements and inventory levels within approved budgets, ensuring optimal stock availability while protecting gross margin and working capital.
• Monitor sales performance, stock turn, stock cover and supplier fill rates, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions to improve results.
• Plan and manage product allocations and replenishment across stores, maintaining a balanced merchandise assortment that meets customer demand.
• Work closely with the Buyer to forecast and plan quantities for new product launches, ensuring appropriate stock investment and commercial returns.
• Monitor purchase orders, supplier deliveries and import timelines, working with the Supply Chain Coordinator to identify risks and resolve delays before they affect stock availability.
• Track promotional merchandise and product deliveries, ensuring stock is available in line with the merchandise calendar and planned campaigns.
• Prepare and maintain accurate merchandise reports, analysing sales, inventory and financial performance to identify opportunities for improved profitability and stock productivity.
• Research consumer trends, competitor activity and product performance to support informed purchasing, allocation and merchandising decisions.
• Collaborate with Buying, Supply Chain, Finance, suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve processes, meet deadlines and drive continuous improvement, using technology, automation and AI tools where appropriate.
• The ideal candidate is ambitious, commercially minded and comfortable taking ownership of results. You are energised by numbers, curious about consumer trends and passionate about the beauty retail industry. You thrive under pressure, embrace technology and enjoy finding smarter ways to work.