On Demand Analytics Planner

takealot.com, a leading South African online retailer, is looking for a highly talented On-Demand Analytics Planner to join our team in Cape Town.

We are a young, dynamic, hyper-growth company looking for smart, creative, hard-working people to join us.  We offer market-related benefits, a great work environment and a promise that you won’t get bored, as long as you are prepared for a challenge and want to build something great.

This hybrid role combines inventory planning, data analysis, and process optimisation to support our fast-paced on-demand services operations. The role is responsible for ensuring efficient inventory replenishment across our dark store network, whilst leveraging data analytics to drive informed decision-making and continuous process improvements.

Your responsibilities will include:

Inventory Planning; Management (50%)

• Monitor inventory levels and manage the replenishment process to maintain continuous product availability across dark stores
• Analyse sales data and inventory reports to forecast needs and adjust inventory levels accordingly
• Coordinate and execute weekly cycle counts and investigations for stock discrepancies
• Act as primary point of contact for dark stores regarding missing, damaged, or expired stock issues
• Manage returns processing, ensuring accurate scheduling based on store requests and operational requirements
• Develop strategies to minimise waste and markdowns whilst improving inventory turnover

Data Analysis; Business Intelligence (30%)

• Create and maintain business reports, dashboards, and alerts using BI tools (Looker and Knime)
• Extract, manipulate, and analyse data using SQL to provide actionable insights for stakeholders
• Verify data quality and ensure adherence to required standards across all reporting structures
• Model data for analysis and develop performance metrics for inventory and operational efficiency
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their reporting and data analysis needs

Process Optimisation; Problem-Solving (20%)

• Identify systematic inefficiencies and recommend process improvements
• Manage workflows for order processing, including file uploads, batch scheduling, and WMS coordination
• Escalate and manage tickets between distribution centres and stores for operational discrepancies
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to discuss operational issues and develop solutions
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across planning and operational processes

Attributes:

• Essential: Strong SQL skills for database querying and data manipulation
• Essential: Proficiency with BI tools (Power BI, Looker, Qlik, or similar)
• Essential: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite/Google Workspace (particularly Excel/Sheets)
• Working knowledge of inventory management systems and WMS platforms
• Experience with customer service platforms (Zendesk or similar) advantageous
• Familiarity with GBQ (Google BigQuery) preferred

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Business Management, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in inventory management, retail planning, business analysis, or related roles
• Experience within e-commerce, retail, or quick commerce environments highly advantageous
• Proven track record of working with inventory management systems and data analysis tools

We seek to Employ an Extraordinary Mind who:

• is respectful but forthright
• is an expert at doing, who can not only design but also execute
• is analytical, able to use data to make decisions
• is competitive, self-directed and strive to be the BEST (GREAT requires a lot of work and does not only happen during business hours
• is passionate about the potential of e-commerce and delivering a world-class customer experience
• is entrepreneurial, thrives under change and accepts it is a constant and always looks for solutions to do something better and faster
• is business SMART. Able to think about problems from a business perspective using technical and product input;
• is curious and challenge the status quo
• is innovative and enjoys iteration
• is collaborative
• will be at the cutting edge of developing new concepts for takealot.com
• thinks like an owner of the business
• is SMART, has INTEGRITY and is HARD WORKING

If you meet the above you are an Extraordinary Mind, so come and join us!

Takealot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities will be given preference