Buyer/Planner (6 Months Maternity Cover) at Ares Holdings

Job Summary

• Bash Africa (distributor of Birkenstock in South Africa) is looking for a Buyer / Planner to join our team on a 6-month maternity cover contract. This role plays a pivotal part in supporting the brand’s continued growth by ensuring the right product is available in the right place, at the right time and in the right quantities.
• With a strong emphasis on merchandise planning, the Buyer / Planner will also contribute to the seasonal buying process - balancing analytical insight with a strong commercial and brand sensibility.

Key Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning & Analysis

• Develop, manage and execute seasonal merchandise plans aligned with Birkenstock’s commercial objectives and brand positioning.
• Build pre-season plans covering sales, margin, inventory levels and open-to-buy (OTB) budgets.
• Analyze sales, stock and margin performance across channels (retail, wholesale, and e-commerce) to drive data-led decisions.
• Execute weekly allocations at a sku/store level.
• Manage in-season trading, reacting to sales trends to maximize sell-through, profitability and stock efficiency.
• Provide weekly and monthly sales and stock performance reports, highlighting risks, opportunities and recommended actions.
• Support the development of forecasting and replenishment models that improve stock availability and minimize end-of-season markdowns.
• Conduct post-season reviews to evaluate performance and inform future range and buying decisions.

Buying Strategy & Execution

• Attend brand seasonal sales meetings to select ranges that best represent Birkenstock’s product offering and resonate with the South African consumer.
• Collaborate with the global and regional teams to ensure assortments meet market needs and margin goals.
• Support pricing analysis and range architecture in line with market positioning and profitability objectives.
• Create detailed buy plans and ensure alignment across retail, wholesale and online channels.
• Partner with Marketing, Retail Operations, and Visual Merchandising to plan and deliver seasonal product launches, promotions and in-store activations.
• Manage delivery timelines, shipment plans, and consolidation opportunities to optimize stock flow and logistics.
• Participate in the go-to-market (GTM) process, preparing tools such as catalogues, price lists and order forms to support the sales cycle.

 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Retail Operations and Visual Merchandising teams to align product, pricing and promotional activities with brand objectives.
• Collaborate with Logistics and IT to ensure systems, reports and processes support efficient inventory management.
• Maintain strong communication with global and regional Birkenstock teams to ensure alignment on buying timelines and product availability.
• Provide insights into local market trends, consumer preferences and competitor activities to influence future strategies.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in merchandise planning, buying, or retail merchandising (preferably in fashion, footwear, or lifestyle brands).
• Proven track record of managing stock, forecasting and analyzing sales performance.
• Experience working with both retail and wholesale channels is advantageous.
• Familiarity with ERP and merchandise planning systems.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, planning and numerical ability, with advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• In-depth understanding of merchandise planning within a retail environment.
• Commercial mindset with a passion for product and consumer insight.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Perks & Benefits

• You get to work for a rapidly expanding distributor with aspirational brands
• Gym & Shower facilities
• Personal Trainer
• Yoga
• Staff discount (50% off for you and your family across all the brands within the group)
• Healthy Lunch subsidy
• Holistic Employee Wellness programme
• The group prides itself in its effort to drive continuous employee engagement activities to enable a connected culture.

Closing Date 03 November 2025