Junior Merchandise Planner

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage item sales and inventory plans
• Create unit and weekly inventory plans using replenishment systems
• Monitor sales performance and adjust forecasts, receipts, and markdowns
• Recommend assortment, pricing, and promotional changes
• Collaborate with Buyers and suppliers to ensure product availability and align forecasts
• Communicate inventory risks and promotional requirements

• Manage inventory orders within OTB to ensure correct product flow by location, quantity, and timing
• Determine and execute allocation strategies and initial orders for new items
• Maintain supplier orders and ensure stock flow to stores and distribution centres
• Analyze inventory levels and adjust replenishment using systems/tools
• Collaborate with suppliers, logistics, stores, and operations to resolve supply issues and prioritize stock
• Maintain ordering calendars and manage allocation exceptions

• Partner with Buyers to align assortment plans with store profiles and replenishment strategies
• Support store grouping, bin allocation, and presentation stock requirements

• Maintain Open-to-Buy planning and financial targets
• Work with Buyers to optimize sales, margins, and inventory investment
• Analyze sales and margin performance to identify opportunities
• Develop and implement pricing and markdown strategies

• Monitor product performance to guide buying decisions
• Optimize SKU range to prioritize top-performing products
• Maintain system updates including pricing, listings, promotions, and supplier data

• Coordinate with Buyers and Marketing on promotions and advertising
• Process catalogues, track promotional stock, and verify advertising accuracy
• Monitor campaign performance and report on ROI
• Communicate promotional activities to stores

• Train and support Order Clerks; provide coaching and feedback
• Work cross-functionally with departments to improve processes and resolve issues

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with company policies and training
• Support system, process, and technology changes
• Generate reports, purchase orders, and perform additional duties as required

• Relevant degree/diploma
• Minimum 2 years experience in store planning at junior level
• Strong analytical, financial, and numerical reasoning skills with the ability to interpret data and make quick decisions
• Inventory management expertise, including replenishment systems, sales planning, forecasting, and stock optimization
• Advanced proficiency in retail merchandising tools and Microsoft applications (especially Excel and Outlook)
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of an organization
• Problem-solving and creative thinking skills to develop practical and effective retail solutions
• Self-motivated and accountable with a strong drive for development, autonomy, and progression within retail (including aspiration toward Buyer level)