Merchant Development Programme

Job Description

Truworths offers an opportunity for analytically strong professionals to transition their careers into commercial fashion planning through our Merchant Development Programme. This role is for individuals who have already gained an analytical foundation early in their careers and are now looking to develop their commercial capability within a dynamic retail environment, with clear long term career potential.

Truworths has a long-standing reputation for developing commercial talent through structured development and real business exposure. Through this programme, you will:

• Gain hands-on exposure to enterprise-level retail systems
• Develop practical planning capability over time
• Learn how commercial and financial decisions are made in fashion retail
• Build a long-term career pathway within Planning

Key Responsibilities

What You’ll Be Involved In:

• Analysing sales, stock and margin performance to support commercial decision making
• Assisting with sales forecasting and stock planning across product ranges
• Managing and monitoring stock investment and inventory flow
• Supporting margin performance, markdown decisions and profitability analysis
• Developing and monitoring financial plans that support product strategies
• Providing analytical input into assortment and product decision making
• Optimising merchandise performance through structured analysis and system use
• Working extensively with technology and retail planning systems

Qualifications and Experience

• B.Com, B.Sc or other numerate/analytical tertiary qualification
• 1–3 years’ experience in a professional, analytical or commercial role
• Strong numerical and analytical capability
• Confidence working with data, systems and technology
• Previous retail or fashion exposure is not essential — structured development will be provided

Who This Opportunity Is Suited To

This programme is ideal for early-career professionals currently working in:

• Finance, investments, accounting, business analysis or data analytics driven role
• Supply chain, planning or operational roles
• Commercial environments where data and insight inform decisions

Competencies

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
• High numerical accuracy and attention to detail
• A structured and organised approach to work
• Systems-oriented mindset with an interest in technology
• Willingness to learn, adapt and develop in a fast-paced environment