Merchant (Planning Department)x1
Job Details
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Job Title: Merchant (Planning Department)
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Department: Planning
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Company: Old School
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Reports To: Head of Planning
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Employment Type: Full-Time
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Industry: Fashion Retail
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Minimum Education: Matric and a Relevant Degree
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Application Method: Email CV to recruitment@oldschool.co.za and complete the application form
Job Overview
Old School is seeking a commercially driven Merchant to join its Planning Department. The role focuses on managing all third-party buying activities across licensed suppliers and brand partners.
This position combines buying, planning, and supplier relationship management, requiring someone who can select creative product ranges while maintaining strong financial and commercial control. The Merchant will work closely with planning, marketing, and operations teams to ensure successful product launches, optimal stock levels, and profitable trading outcomes.
Job Description
The Merchant will oversee product buying, supplier partnerships, and trading performance for licensed brands and third-party suppliers.
1. Buying & Range Development
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Manage the full buying cycle from product selection to order placement.
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Build balanced and commercially viable product ranges aligned with the company’s strategy and customer preferences.
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Attend supplier presentations and brand previews to select seasonal product lines.
2. Planning & Trading
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Work with the Planning team to develop Open-To-Buy (OTB) budgets for third-party product categories.
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Monitor sales performance, stock levels, and product intake.
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Take corrective action such as reorders, cancellations, or markdown strategies.
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Provide trading updates and performance analysis to improve future buying decisions.
3. Supplier & Brand Management
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Act as the primary contact for licensed suppliers and brand partners.
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Maintain strong supplier relationships and manage communication.
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Negotiate pricing, margins, delivery schedules, exclusivity agreements, and order quantities.
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Ensure compliance with supplier agreements and licensing terms.
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Identify and onboard new brand partners aligned with business strategy.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Work closely with the Planning team on forecasting, stock intake, and markdown strategies.
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Collaborate with marketing and visual merchandising teams to support product launches and brand positioning.
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Coordinate with logistics and operations teams to ensure timely product deliveries and resolve supply chain issues.
Required Skills & Experience
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Proven experience in buying or merchandising within fashion retail.
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Experience managing third-party or branded product ranges.
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Strong commercial understanding of margins, intake planning, and Open-To-Buy (OTB) management.
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Ability to manage multiple supplier relationships simultaneously.
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Strong negotiation and communication skills.
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Highly organised with strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
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Comfortable working under tight deadlines.
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Proficiency in Excel and buying/merchandising systems.
Desirable Qualifications
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Experience working with licensed brands or intellectual property (IP) products.
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Existing network of fashion brand and supplier contacts within the retail industry.