Nhlakanipho Ncube

Increased Gross Profit by 4% and Sell-Through Rate (STR%) by optimizing price sensitivity and Inventory Markup (IMU%) in key categories, as of Summer 2024.

Introduced regional Outlet Stores, strategically separating regular from aged stock, which accelerated stock termination and improved regular store replenishment.

Boosted 'Drinks' category financials significantly, achieving 104% growth in sales and 40% in STR% by optimizing store layouts, implementing a new Min/Max model, and increasing Open-to-Buy (OTB) by 21%.

Reduced stock aging by 20% through a monthly program of Top Store Transfers, Consolidations, and a 3-stage aggressive markdown process.

Consulted on retail planning, demand & supply chain, and ERP/BI tools for a South African client, developing new QlikView/Cloud reports and sourcing merchandise from China.

Led omnichannel demand and supply chain planning functions, ensuring optimal inventory flow and sales for diverse product categories.

Managed and achieved critical KPIs including sales, stock turn, Return on Inventory (ROI), and Gross Profit (GP) through meticulous analysis and forecasting.

Produced comprehensive merchandise plans, buying plans, and analytical reports, providing essential data for strategic planning and decision-making.

Monitored and analyzed inventory levels and aging stock, implementing corrective actions and effectively managing Open-to-Buy (OTB).

Ensured efficient allocation to stores, transfers, and consolidations, optimizing stock distribution across the retail chain.

Developed and implemented a new merchandise planning system/structure in 2012, drastically improving key financials and achieving over 20% sales growth over five years, including a 224% increase from 2012-2017.

Drove remarkable growth in the cellular business, a new initiative, increasing its revenue contribution from 16% (2012) to 34% (2018) by expanding product ranges and supplier base.

Engineered a new distribution system in 2012 using QlikView, precisely aligning stock contribution with sales contribution across the business and feeding into legacy IT platforms.

Provided leadership for a team of planners, responsible for staff development and training, fostering professional growth and expertise in merchandise planning.

Directed comprehensive retail operations for TV Sales & Home, Photo Inn & Warehouse, ensuring optimal stock levels, administration, and merchandising.

Coordinated successful special events, promotions, and new store openings, enhancing market presence and sales.

Established and consistently achieved budgets, productivity, and quality standards for regional operations.

Oversaw store HR management, providing necessary training, counseling, and motivation to employees, fostering a high-performing retail environment.

Streamlined the supply chain by re-routing direct deliveries to a central Distribution Centre, reconfiguring ERP, and developing new purchasing/distribution procedures in 2006.

Achieved a 5-fold increase in Bodycare department unit sales by developing a new marketing strategy, expanding product offerings, and establishing a high-value warehouse within the DC in 2006.

Implemented a new replenishment system for branded cosmetics, reducing stock-outs and increasing market share from 31% to 42% (2005-2007), making it the 6th largest department.

Cultivated strong supplier relationships and successfully negotiated favorable contracts, pricing, and delivery timelines.

Recognized for leadership and strategic contributions, invited to join Edgars' senior management forum in 2007 and 2008.

Recognized as the top student in the Merchandise Buying & Planning training program in 2001.

Successfully launched a new ladieswear maternity department, significantly exceeding initial sales expectations.

Transformed the music department into the country's largest buyer and distributor, increasing market share from 18% to 32% (2005-2007).

Boosted Open-to-Buy (OTB) spending on new releases by up to 7 times by proactively receiving stock a week ahead of competitors.

Supported merchandise planning and inventory management for the girlswear department, ensuring optimal stock levels.

Contributed to sales forecasting and assortment planning processes, aiding in strategic buying decisions.

Assisted in the execution of buying plans and stock allocation strategies, supporting departmental goals.

Significantly enhanced quality control in the QA department by developing a statistical sampling methodology for inbound merchandise, reducing errors/rejects in the Distribution Centre in 1999.

Gained foundational experience in daily store operations, including inventory management, visual merchandising, and customer service.

Supported initiatives for improving operational efficiency and team leadership within the retail environment.