Retail Merchandise Planning and Forecasting Opportunity

Ackermans is inviting applications for a Product Planner position within the Planning Department at the Ackermans Support Centre in Kuils River, Cape Town. This is an open advert and not linked to a specific portfolio. Should a suitable opportunity arise that aligns with your skills and career ambitions, shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This full-time opportunity is ideal for experienced planners who are passionate about data-driven performance and delivering results through strong numerical and analytical capability. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering, implementing, and managing departmental business plans that support the SBU’s merchandise strategy.

Ackermans is seeking a commercially strong and highly motivated individual who thrives in a value retail environment and understands the dynamics of merchandise products within the South African retail clothing market.

Job Purpose

The Product Planner will deliver and implement departmental business plans that align with and support the signed-off merchandise strategy.

This role focuses on driving growth and profitability by managing forecasts, assortment plans, and replenishment processes in line with the overall business plan.

The ideal candidate is experienced in product planning within retail or FMCG, understands the retail merchandise cycle, and can confidently translate strategy into actionable planning processes that optimise performance.

Key Responsibilities

The Product Planner will deliver and implement departmental business plans that support the SBU’s merchandise strategy.

Managing departmental forecasts is a core responsibility to ensure agreed growth and profitability targets are achieved in line with the business plan.

The successful candidate will prepare and deliver merchandise assortment plans that support the approved departmental business strategy.

Ensuring sufficient stock inflows to maintain agreed replenishment service levels is essential to achieving departmental growth and profitability targets.

The role requires providing accurate and timeous merchandise information to minimise risk and optimise business opportunities.

Where applicable, the Product Planner will execute and manage project plans to achieve agreed objectives.

Qualifications Required

Essential qualification:

Grade 12 Certificate / Matric.

Preferred qualifications include:

B.Comm. or B.Sc. degree in Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Statistics, or Business Science.

OR

National Diploma majoring in Internal Auditing and Cost and Management Accounting.

OR

National Diploma in Financial Information Systems.

Job Related Knowledge and Skills Required

Knowledge Required

Understanding of the retail merchandise cycle in relation to Buying, Planning, Logistics, and Stores.

Knowledge of seasonal and non-seasonal replenishments.

Knowledge of the South African retail clothing market, customers, and competitors.

Skills Required

Sound commercial thinking and strong numerical skills.

Analytical thinking and logical problem-solving skills.

Interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Strong planning, organising, and time management skills.

Conflict resolution skills.

Resilience, agility, and the ability to maintain high levels of drive and initiative under pressure.

Collaboration skills, fostering a shared vision and positively influencing team decision-making.

Flexibility to function effectively under pressure while maintaining a positive attitude and performance.

Self-motivation, responsibility, and pride in work output.

A methodical and detail-oriented approach to ensure task accuracy.

Effective communication skills across all organisational levels.

Strong professional integrity.

A deadline-oriented mindset.

Assertiveness in handling tasks and responsibilities.

Experience Required

A minimum of 2 to 3 years’ previous experience in product planning within a relevant retail and/or FMCG environment is essential.

Replenishment and assortment planning experience is required.

Prior store planning experience is required.

Previous store management experience of 1 to 2 years will be advantageous.

Exposure to general logistics and supply chain processes is required.

Experience working in planning systems is required.

Experience working with the most recent Microsoft software, including Word and Excel, is a prerequisite. Advanced Excel proficiency will be an asset.

Employment Details

Position: Product Planner (Open Advert – No Specific Portfolio)
Department: Planning
Company: Ackermans
Location: Ackermans Support Centre, Kuils River, Cape Town
Employment Type: Full-time

This opportunity offers experienced planners the chance to contribute directly to merchandise strategy and commercial performance within a dynamic retail environment.

Apply for Product Planner – Ackermans

Candidates who meet the essential experience and qualification requirements are encouraged to submit their application for consideration in future portfolio opportunities.

👉 Apply for Product Planner – Cape Town

Early applications are recommended.

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