Head of Merchandise

The Head of Buying and Planning Merchandise will lead the strategic sourcing, purchasing, and inventory planning for all product categories across our physical stores and online platform. This critical leadership role is responsible for driving profitable assortment strategies, optimising inventory levels, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring the right products are available at the right time to meet customer demand and business growth objectives in the dynamic outdoor retail sector.

Merchandise Strategy & Buying

Develop and execute comprehensive buying strategies and seasonal merchandise plans aligned with company financial targets, market trends, and customer preferences.

Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with local and international suppliers to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms, and exclusive products while maintaining high quality standards.

Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, including managing contracts, lead times, and compliance with South African regulatory

Inventory Planning & Optimisation

Lead demand forecasting, inventory allocation, and replenishment planning across all stores and e-commerce to maximise sales, minimise stockouts, and reduce excess inventory or markdowns.

Analyse sales data, market trends, competitor activity, and historical performance to inform buying decisions and adjust plans in-season.

Oversee open-to-buy (OTB) management and work with finance teams on budgeting and cash flow optimization for merchandise.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing buying and planning team.

Collaborate closely with Store Operations, Marketing, Sales, E-commerce, and Category Managers to ensure seamless execution of merchandise strategies, promotions, and visual merchandising.

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales turnover, gross margin, sell-through rates, and inventory turnover; provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership.

Market Intelligence & Innovation

Stay abreast of industry trends, new products, and regulatory changes in the hunting/outdoor sector.

Identify opportunities for category expansion, private label development, or exclusive partnerships.

Support promotional planning and clearance strategies to drive traffic and profitability.

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or a related field (postgraduate qualification advantageous).

Minimum 6–10 years of progressive experience in retail buying and merchandise planning, with at least 3–5 years in a senior/head-of role.

Proven track record in a multi-store or omnichannel retail environment, ideally within sporting goods, outdoor, hunting, fashion, or general merchandise sectors.

Strong understanding of the South African retail landscape, import/export processes, and relevant regulations.

R35-40 000pm CTC depending on experience

Email your CV to ***email_hidden***

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot reply to each individually. Should you not hear back from us in 10 days, your application was unsuccessful