Jobs Available at Toy Kingdom (Pty) Ltd

Role Overview:

• We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven individual to lead our Merchandise Team. This role is designed for someone who excels at managing high-performance teams, has a deep understanding of numbers, and can unlock the full potential of our technology investments (e.g., Netstock, AI, BI, etc). The ideal candidate will not be directly involved in buying or planning but will take responsibility for driving the performance of the team and ensuring the successful delivery of key outputs and results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of Buyers, Planners, and Buyer Assistants to achieve strategic and operational goals.
• Oversee team performance, ensuring targets and KPIs are met or exceeded.
• Utilize your strong numerical and analytical skills to ensure the team is operating efficiently and making data-driven decisions.
• Leverage technology (such as Netstock, AI, BI, etc) to optimize inventory management, forecasting, and other processes.
• Foster a collaborative and motivated team environment, driving growth and innovation within the merchandise function.
• Implement processes to enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and optimize resources.
• Report directly to the Managing Director, providing insights and analysis on team performance and merchandise strategies.

Requirements:

• Chartered Accountant is a prerequisite.
• Proven leadership experience, in retail.
• Strong analytical skills, with a focus on interpreting numbers and data to drive decisions.
• Experience with inventory management technologies.
• Exceptional people management and communication skills.
• Ability to drive results while maintaining a positive and motivating team culture.
• Strategic thinker with a proven track record of delivering business growth and operational excellence.

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About the Role

• As a Merchandise Planner, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our stores and digital channels are stocked with the right products, in the right quantities, at the right time. You’ll collaborate closely with our buying team to analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and optimize stock levels, driving both customer satisfaction and business profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain accurate merchandise plans to support sales and margin targets.
• Analyze historical data and market trends to forecast demand and inform stock allocation.
• Monitor stock levels across stores and online channels to maximize availability and minimize overstock.
• Work closely with the buying team to align inventory decisions with strategic objectives.
• Utilize advanced planning tools (e.g., Netstock) to enhance decision-making and streamline operations.
• Provide actionable insights through regular reporting and analysis to support business goals.

About You

• We’re looking for a Merchandise Planner who combines analytical rigor with a proactive approach.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Have a degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Bring 4+ years of experience in merchandise planning, in retail.
• Excel in data analysis, forecasting, and problem-solving.
• Are proficient in Excel, Business Intelligence tools, Planning tools and systems (experience with Netstock is a bonus).
• Are proficient in AI-driven demand planning software (e.g., Netstock, ToolsGroup, or Blue Yonder).
• Have experience leveraging AI to optimize stock levels and reduce overstock or understock situations.
• Have experience in using AI in automating repetitive tasks, such as creating reports, running what-if scenarios, or SKU rationalization.
• Have a keen eye for detail, coupled with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Are an effective communicator who collaborates well across teams.
• Share our passion for creating exceptional customer experiences.