Senior Buyer & Merchandise Planner at Blakskill Limited

Blakskill is an HR Tech company that connects Top verified African talent with Global verified opportunities. Blakskill Limited is transforming the talent acquisition landscape, empowering African Talents, and facilitating global access to verified talents from an African perspective.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Buyer & Merchandise Planner

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description (Summary)

• As the Senior Buyer & Merchandise Planner, you will oversee planning and forecasting for future merchandise buys based on historical trends, industry insights, and inventory levels.
• You will work closely with multiple departments, including Marketing, Retail Operations, E-Commerce, Supply Chain, and Finance, to align merchandise plans with business goals.
• Develop and execute merchandise plans based on historical trends, market insights, and inventory levels.
• Define merchandising strategy in collaboration with Marketing and Sales to ensure alignment with global seasonal messages and local market relevance.
• Coordinate with retail merchandisers to optimize product range and retail buying to maximize sales and profits.
• Monitor and analyze merchandise planning metrics, including sales forecasts, inventory checks, and replenishment needs.
• Formulate and communicate strategic merchandising plans to the buying team and oversee in-season management across all stores.
• Ensure stock deliveries align with approved capacity plans and store profiles to achieve sales objectives.
• Manage financial aspects, including sales, stock, margins, order quantities, allocation, and replenishment strategies.
• Assist in pricing definition and provide reporting for strategic decision-making.
• Coordinate showroom preparation with Sales and Marketing and oversee visual merchandising strategies.
• Support Finance with order intake data and purchase order planning.
• Identify slow-moving stock and implement liquidation strategies in line with brand guidelines.
• Maintain strong coordination with store managers to ensure timely product deliveries.
• Train and develop team members, especially in brand management and merchandising best practices.
• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders and brand partners for strategic alignment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Sales forecast accuracy.
• Intake margin performance.
• Inventory turnover rate.
• Sell-through rate, Average Transaction Value (ATV), Units Per Transaction (UPT).
• Promotional performance.
• On-Time Delivery Rate.
• Compliance with buying processes.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Fashion, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant product management experience, preferably with international sports or lifestyle brands.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with business intelligence expertise.
• Experience in merchandise planning, stock allocation, and inventory optimization.
• Knowledge of retail buying processes and go-to-market strategies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Readiness and ability to travel as required.
• Avid interest in fashion
• Impressive analytical skills.

Required Competencies:
Technical:

• Merchandise planning & forecasting
• Pricing strategy and inventory optimization
• Knowledge of global and regional merchandising strategies
• Supply chain coordination and demand planning.

Behavioral:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across functions
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills 
• Adaptability to market changes.

Strategic:

• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Market analysis and competitive positioning
• Financial planning and budget management
• Process improvement and efficiency.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Resume to: [email protected] using "Senior Buyer & Merchandise Planner" as the subject of the mail.