This position offers a wonderful opportunity to join the dynamic Babylonstoren team. The ideal candidate is solution-oriented and has experience in retail planning and merchandising, with the ability to assist in planning, ranging, and forecasting our product offering – specifically in the food category. This role is responsible for driving sales and profitability by strategically planning and managing inventory levels across retail locations. It involves forecasting demand, analysing trends, and working closely with buying, procurement, and operations teams to ensure that the right products are in the right place at the right time.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, supply chain management or a related field.
- At least 3–5 years’ experience in retail planning, merchandise planning or inventory control.
- Understanding of principles in the fresh food planning category would be advantageous.
- Good knowledge of supply chain operations – including suppliers, warehousing, waste management and inventory – is essential.
- Experience in a fast-paced retail environment, such as FMCG, fashion or homeware, is preferred.
- Knowledge of retail maths and performance indicators (e.g. sell-through, GMROI, stock turn).
- Strong numerical and data interpretation skills.
- Accuracy in planning and forecasting.
- Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures.
- Ability to collaborate and present findings clearly.
- Problem-solving and decision-making based on trends and data.
- Proficiency in Excel (advanced), ERP systems (e.g. Sage X3), forecasting tools, PIM (Product Information Management), and AI planning tools.
- Fluent in both Afrikaans and English.
Responsibilities
Planning and Forecasting / Demand Planning:
- Develop demand forecasts for new and existing products based upon demand patterns and business trends/assumptions.
- Analyse historical sales data to identify trends and forecast future demand.
- Propose and implement solutions to improve forecast accuracy and minimise bias.
- Optimise the continuous availability of products to meet customer demand.
- Contribute to the departmental plan with a specific focus on planning objectives and requirements, in line with the operating plan and KPIs.
Inventory Management:
- Ensure optimal stock levels across all warehouses, stores and online platforms.
- Define, set and monitor product supply and integrate with warehouse, supply chain and cross-functional teams to ensure delivery of the operating plan.
- Manage key indicators on availability and waste (sales, service levels, stock cover, forecast accuracy, waste cost percentage, availability) in line with the operational plan.
- Identify slow-moving or obsolete stock and drive clearance strategies.
- Proactively coordinate with cross-functional teams and locations to optimise stock levels for marketing campaigns, new product launches, and merchandising strategies.
Sales and Performance Analysis:
- Track and report on key metrics including sales, margins and stock availability.
- Deliver actionable insights from data to improve stock efficiency and sales performance.
- Participate in monthly business reviews with cross-functional teams.
- Generate and analyse monthly demand and supply planning KPI/PI reports – including service level, forecast accuracy, forecast bias, inventories as well as write downs/scrapping – to support performance and root cause management.
Collaboration:
- Partner with buyers on product assortment planning and phasing.
- Liaise with supply chain teams to manage lead times, deliveries, and logistics.
- Work closely with store managers to understand local trading patterns.