Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Caroline Moodie

Caroline Moodie

Senior Merchandise Planner
Cape Town

Summary

Senior Merchandise Planner at Forever New Clothing with a strong background in retail management. Excels in developing strategic merchandise plans and ensuring optimal stock distribution. Possesses deep understanding of assortment planning, problem-solving skills, and effective communication aligned with company objectives. Committed to balancing customer expectations with business goals. Analyzes sales data and market trends to anticipate product needs, leading to impactful decisions on product ranges and inventory management. Dedication to industry best practices has been a cornerstone of contributions to Forever New Clothing.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Merchandise Planner

Forever New RSA
6 2022 - Current
  • Optimized inventory levels in partnership with the Australian team, resulting in increased sales and profitability
  • Introduced optimized systems to boost accuracy and speed of store allocation processes
  • Conducted training sessions for other markets to share best practices
  • Provided strategic direction and support to Australian buying team
  • Exceeded category-based targets by effectively managing inventory and controlling stock, contributing to accelerated growth
  • Successfully executed store and online product/range strategies through collaboration with cross-functional teams including store operations, buying, marketing, and logistics
  • Increased market share by initiating the launch of Forever New in Woolworths
  • Supported planning processes for Forever New India and UK teams to enhance process efficiency
  • Spearheaded Netstock project for implementing and configuring systems.

Merchandise Planner

The Foschini Group (TFG)
12.2017 - 05.2022
  • Optimized sales performance through the creation of targeted and effective merchandising plans for specific seasons
  • Ensured merchandise was available at designated locations and times in appropriate quantities and prices
  • Analyzed sales figures, customer’s reactions and market trends to anticipate product needs and plan product ranges
  • Worked closely with buyers, suppliers and distributors to negotiate prices, quantities and time-scales
  • Maintained accurate financial projections through constant budget planning and revision
  • Considered price changes in conjunction with trend analysis
  • Remained informed about industry's best practices
  • Generated and analyzed KPI reports on a weekly and monthly basis
  • Analyzed product and store performance
  • Effectively managed forward order pipeline with suppliers by aligning OTB commitments with budgeted sales plans and Principal Commercial Contracts
  • Managed the successful implementation of a Quick Response Module by working closely with local manufacturers, resulting in improved product availability and reduced lead times.

Merchandise Allocator

The Foschini Group (TFG)
01.2015 - 11.2017
  • Executed assortments effectively based on performances and stock curves for each store
  • Proactively identified potential allocation issues to the planner while timely responding to stock imbalances
  • Maintained effective communication and relationships with operation managers and stores through organizing stock transfers and movement within the business
  • Analyzed sales figures and performance of merchandise, providing guidance to the team on size curves and optimal strategies
  • Liaised closely with the DC, stores, local suppliers, and the field to optimize supply chain operations
  • Maximized full price sales through effective stock replenishment techniques and store knowledge
  • Assisted the Planner and Buyer in effectively managing their department.

Education

Bachelor Degree in Retail Business Management -

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Skills

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Stock replenishment

Collaborative mindset

Sales Reporting

Open-to-buy Management

Markdown Strategies

Teamwork and Collaboration

Languages

English
Advanced (C1)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

Timeline

Merchandise Planner

The Foschini Group (TFG)
12.2017 - 05.2022

Merchandise Allocator

The Foschini Group (TFG)
01.2015 - 11.2017

Senior Merchandise Planner

Forever New RSA
6 2022 - Current

Bachelor Degree in Retail Business Management -

Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Caroline MoodieSenior Merchandise Planner