Buyer/Planner (6-Month Maternity Cover) at Ares Holdings Cape Town

Buyer/Planner (6-Month Maternity Cover) – Cape Town

Company: Ares Holdings (Birkenstock Distributor)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Employment Type: Contract (6 Months)
Posted: 20 October 2025
Closing Date: 03 November 2025

About the Role
Bash Africa, the distributor of Birkenstock in South Africa, is seeking a Buyer / Planner on a 6-month maternity cover contract. This role is crucial for supporting the brand’s growth by ensuring the right products are available in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantities. Balancing analytical insight with commercial and brand sensibility, you will also contribute to seasonal buying and merchandise planning.

Key Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning & Analysis

• Develop and execute seasonal merchandise plans aligned with Birkenstock’s commercial objectives and brand positioning.
• Build pre-season plans including sales, margin, inventory levels, and open-to-buy (OTB) budgets.
• Analyse sales, stock, and margin performance across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce channels.
• Execute weekly allocations at SKU/store level and manage in-season trading to maximise sell-through and profitability.
• Provide regular sales and stock performance reports highlighting risks, opportunities, and recommendations.
• Support forecasting and replenishment models to improve stock availability and minimize end-of-season markdowns.
• Conduct post-season reviews to inform future range and buying decisions.

Buying Strategy & Execution

• Attend seasonal sales meetings to select ranges that resonate with the South African consumer.
• Collaborate with global and regional teams to meet assortment, margin, and market needs.
• Support pricing analysis, range architecture, and create detailed buy plans across retail, wholesale, and online channels.
• Partner with Marketing, Retail Operations, and Visual Merchandising to plan product launches, promotions, and in-store activations.
• Manage delivery timelines, shipments, and stock flow logistics.
• Prepare tools for go-to-market processes, including catalogues, price lists, and order forms.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Align product, pricing, and promotions with Sales, Marketing, Retail Operations, and Visual Merchandising teams.
• Work with Logistics and IT to support efficient inventory management.
• Maintain communication with global and regional Birkenstock teams on buying timelines and product availability.
• Provide insights on market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activities.

Requirements

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

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, planning, and numerical abilities.
• Advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• Commercial mindset with passion for product and consumer insight.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive problem solver.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Perks & Benefits

• Work with a rapidly expanding distributor of aspirational brands.
• Gym and shower facilities, personal trainer, yoga sessions.
• Staff discount (50% off for employees and family across group brands).
• Healthy lunch subsidy and holistic employee wellness programme.
• Continuous engagement activities fostering a connected culture.

Application Note
If you are not contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.