Retail Assortment Planner

About the role

DotActiv, a category management consultancy founded in 1991 and now serving more than 2,000 retail professionals with planogram software in over 110 countries, is hiring a Retail Assortment Planner in Johannesburg. The role focuses on the analytical work behind product selection, using data-driven insights to recommend customer-centric assortment plans. The cost to company is between R20,000 and R30,000 per month.

Key responsibilities

• Create data-driven assortment plans with specialized software that balance consumer demand with physical space constraints
• Analyse cluster plans per product category to optimise ranges within clusters
• Ensure the right variety and breadth of products are available at the right locations
• Analyse product financial performance and shopper psychology to maximise category performance
• Identify high-performing products and opportunity gaps within a range
• Support retail customers with complex, data-driven recommendations that drive sales and profitability

Required profile

• Consumer Science or Commerce degree (or similar) from an accredited university
• Good understanding of English at business level
• 2+ years in a retail environment is advantageous
• Valid driver's licence and own vehicle, as on-site client meetings may be required
• A working laptop with Windows (Mac is not supported); a laptop allowance is included in the CTC

Required skills

• Advanced MS Excel, including complex formulas, VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables
• Advanced MS Office (Word, PowerPoint) and Google G-Suite
• Knowledge of category management principles: clustering, SKU rationalization, point of diminishing returns, integrated space planning and merchandising
• Ability to run before-and-after impact analyses, forecast turnover, gross profit and GMROI, and map consumer decision trees

What we offer

• Hands-on guidance, support and specialized training from the line manager
• A transparent job grading system and a personalised development path