Merchandise Planning & Buying Manager

apartmentStaff Unlimited Recruitment Pty Ltd T/A MPC Recruitment Group EC placePort Elizabeth calendar_month 

My client is looking for a commercially driven and analytically strong Merchandise Planning & Buying Manager to lead planning, forecasting, buying, inventory, and merchandising functions across multiple footwear brands.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a growing entrepreneurial business and can balance commercial decision-making with operational execution.

Duties include:

  • Develop seasonal merchandise and demand plans
  • Forecast sales, stock, and production requirements
  • Manage inventory levels, replenishment, and stock flow
  • Analyse product performance, margins, sell-through, and stock turn
  • Support buying decisions and assortment planning
  • Coordinate planning across retail, wholesale, ecommerce, and manufacturing
  • Drive reporting, dashboards, and commercial insights
  • Manage OTB (Open-to-Buy) planning and stock allocation
  • Support launch readiness and seasonal trading plans
Requirements
  • 4–8 years’ relevant experience in merchandise planning, buying, or inventory management
  • Footwear, fashion, apparel, or retail planning experience essential
  • Manufacturing exposure advantageous
  • Strong forecasting, analytical, and reporting ability
  • Advanced Excel essential
  • Experience with ERP, POS, inventory, and ecommerce systems
  • Understanding of retail mathematics, stock planning, and margin analysis
Advantageous Skills
  • Power BI
  • Shopify analytics
  • SQL / advanced reporting tools
  • Manufacturing ERP systems
Ideal Candidate
  • Highly analytical
  • Commercially minded
  • Detail-oriented
  • Proactive and adaptable
  • Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced SME environment
apartmentProfessional Career ServicesplacePort Elizabeth
Employer Description Hotel in Gqeberha Job Description Our client is looking for a dynamic and results-driven Hotel Restaurant Manager to oversee daily operations, deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive revenue growth. This role requires...
apartmentStaff Solutions RecruitmentplacePort Elizabeth
Main Duties / Key Responsibilities   1.  Supplier Account Management  •  Manage allocated supplier accounts and ensure all invoices, reconciliations, queries, and month-end tasks are completed accurately and on time.  •  Ensure all outstanding items are...
local_fire_departmentUrgent

Cashbook Clerk

apartmentTalented RecruitmentplacePort Elizabeth
Responsibilities:  •  Daily Cashbook Management: Recording all bank receipts, payments, transfers, and debit orders accurately  •  Bank Reconciliations: Monthly matching of bank statements to the cashbook, investigating discrepancies (unallocated...