A leading fashion retail company is looking for an experienced Commercial Manager (Planning) with strong experience in merchandise and financial planning within a fast-paced, trend-driven environment to join their team in Cape Town. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading end-to-end category planning, managing high SKU volumes, mitigating seasonal fashion risk, and driving profitability through effective forecasting and in-season trade management. This is a senior-level opportunity suited to a commercially astute planner who thrives in a dynamic retail environment and can influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead merchandise and financial planning across assigned categories.

• Drive forecasting, Open-to-Buy (OTB) management, and full product lifecycle planning (newness, re-buys, chase, and exit strategies).

• Deliver on sales, gross profit, margin, and inventory targets.

• Improve sell-through and stock turn while reducing markdowns and excess stock.

• Conduct detailed data analysis to inform strategic and in-season trading decisions.

• Plan at store and cluster level to optimise range efficiency and reduce non-performing lines.

• Collaborate closely with Buying, Design, Supply Chain, and senior leadership.

• Own categories end-to-end and provide mentorship to junior planners.

Requirements:

• 5–10+ years’ experience in merchandise or financial planning within fashion retail (fashion accessories advantageous).

• Proven track record of managing high SKU volumes and seasonal risk.

• Strong expertise in forecasting, OTB management, and lifecycle planning.

• Advanced analytical skills with Advanced Excel proficiency.

• Experience working with merchandise planning systems.

• Strong commercial acumen and in-season trading capability.

• Demonstrated stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Commerce, Finance, Fashion Management, or related field.

Benefits:

• Salary: negotiable.

Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move.

Apply for this role today, contact Abigail King at Hire Resolve or on LinkedIn.

You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us or email us your CV:  [email protected]

We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise.