Senior Merchandise Planner

About the role

Foschini is looking for a Senior Merchandise Planner who drives sales, profit and inventory performance through planning, forecasting and stock management. Working closely with Buying, Supply Chain and Finance, the role ensures the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities, while optimising working capital and profitability. The position also involves leading a small team of a planner and an allocator.

Key responsibilities

• Develop seasonal and annual merchandise plans aligned to company financial targets.
• Forecast sales, margin, inventory and profit at department and category level.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets and adjust stock investments based on trading performance.
• Partner with Buyers to create balanced, commercially effective assortments.
• Analyse sales trends, stock productivity and customer demand to identify risks and opportunities.
• Drive markdown and clearance strategies to maximise sell-through and profitability.
• Monitor key retail metrics such as GMROI, sell-through, inventory turn, weeks of supply and margin performance.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Logistics, Stores and Finance to ensure effective stock flow and availability.
• Lead a small team consisting of a planner and an allocator.

Required profile

• Degree or diploma in Business, Retail, Supply Chain, Finance, Mathematics or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of retail merchandise planning experience.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting, OTB and retail financial planning.
• Experience managing a small team.

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with retail planning systems.
• Analytical processes, market research and analysis, supplier management and global sourcing.
• Strategic eCommerce awareness.