Samantha du Plessis
Adelaide,Australia
Summary
Inventory and merchandise planning professional with a strong history of improving profitability and optimising stock levels. Demonstrated success in cross-departmental collaboration and strategic planning, resulting in substantial cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. Effective communicator with a focus on achieving measurable results.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Inventory and Office Manager
One Seed | Personal Care Sector | Company Closure Sep 2025
Adelaide, South Australia
02.2025 - 09.2025
- Oversaw operations, inventory, and customer service for Australian, New Zealand, and US markets.
- Developed Demand & Supply Forecast Tool to optimise sales planning and stock levels.
- Created manufacturing orders and coordinated with the manufacturer to ensure timely raw material availability.
- Collaborated with fulfillment teams to ensure precise and timely dispatch of all orders.
- Managed customer feedback and complaints, enhancing order adjustments and support.
- Strengthened wholesale partnerships through proactive communication and assistance.
- Maintained Shopify inventory to prevent overselling and minimise discrepancies.
- Supported operational flow by implementing effective inventory management practices.
Inventory and Demand Planning Manager
Rubicon | Renewable Energy Sector
Cape Town, South Africa
07.2023 - 09.2024
- Established Inventory Management Department to enhance inventory visibility and control.
- Developed Excel-based planning tool to analyse sales trends and optimise reorder levels.
- Implemented monthly Planning and Ordering Cycle to synchronize cross-departmental activities.
- Collaborated with IT to integrate Excel tool into NetSuite ERP for improved scalability.
- Reported weekly inventory positions during cash flow meetings to support financial oversight.
- Created Inventory Reduction Plan, collaborating with Sales and Finance to expedite slow-moving items.
- Enhanced collaboration with suppliers to negotiate adjustments on slow-moving orders.
Merchandise Planning Manager
PEP Stores | PEP Home | Similar to KMart
Cape Town, South Africa
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Optimise sales, profit, and inventory for the Home Textiles Business Unit across 2,030 stores.
- Managed team of 4 Merchandise Planners and 1 Allocator to achieve operational excellence.
- Set and executed merchandise KPIs to meet financial objectives of Business Unit.
- Collaborated with Buying, Marketing, Sales, and Supply Chain to enhance overall profitability.
- Approved category plans and presented consolidated strategies to CEO and Executive Team.
- Prepared trading reports and action plans that maximised inventory ROI.
- Streamlined allocation of high-volume items through optimised carton size and distribution.
Senior Merchandise Planner
PEP Stores | Kids Outerwear | Female Footwear| Similar to KMart
Cape Town, South Africa
03.2015 - 07.2021
- Develop, execute, evaluate, and communicate strategic merchandise financial plans and strategies that support the merchandising and financial objectives.
- Transformed sales performance monitoring by analysing results and adapting strategies to market trends.
- Optimised inventory levels by collaborating with buyers, suppliers, and Merchandise Allocator for accurate allocations.
- Streamlined delivery tracking and supply chain processes, reducing late deliveries to ensure operational efficiency.
- Conducted seasonal performance reviews and SWOT analyses to inform actionable growth strategies.
- Executed precise sales curve forecasting and coordinated store plans for optimal inflow volumes.
- Established a planning foundation for the new girls' footwear department, promoting sustainable growth.
Merchandise Planner
The Foschini Group | Ladies Outerwear
Cape Town, South Africa
11.2013 - 02.2015
Merchandise Planner
Sportsmans Warehouse | Sport Accessories | Footwear
Cape Town, South Africa
11.2010 - 10.2013
Logistics Coordinator
Bester Feed and Grain
Stellenbosch, South Africa
09.2008 - 10.2010
Education
Advance Diploma - Organisational Leadership
Towerstone Leadership Centre
Cape Town, South Africa01-2021
B.Comm (Hons) - Logistics
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa01-2008
Bachelor in Commerce -
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa01-2005
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- JDA Software - Enterprise Planning
- NetSuite
- Katana
- Shopify
- ShipStation
- Extensiv
- Fair - Wholesale
Affiliations
In my free time, you will find me enjoying quality time with my family, camping, hiking, or exploring the natural beauty around me. I am passionate about trail running and have completed several sections of Adelaide’s most scenic routes, including Heysen, Yurrebilla, Mount Lofty, and Belair National Park, and I am excited to continue discovering more of the stunning landscapes that Adelaide and Australia have to offer.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Afrikaans
Full Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Inventory and Office Manager
One Seed | Personal Care Sector | Company Closure Sep 2025
02.2025 - 09.2025
Inventory and Demand Planning Manager
Rubicon | Renewable Energy Sector
07.2023 - 09.2024
Merchandise Planning Manager
PEP Stores | PEP Home | Similar to KMart
08.2021 - 06.2023
Senior Merchandise Planner
PEP Stores | Kids Outerwear | Female Footwear| Similar to KMart
03.2015 - 07.2021
Merchandise Planner
The Foschini Group | Ladies Outerwear
11.2013 - 02.2015
Merchandise Planner
Sportsmans Warehouse | Sport Accessories | Footwear
11.2010 - 10.2013
Logistics Coordinator
Bester Feed and Grain
09.2008 - 10.2010
Advance Diploma - Organisational Leadership
Towerstone Leadership Centre
B.Comm (Hons) - Logistics
University of Stellenbosch
Bachelor in Commerce -
University of Stellenbosch