Merchandise Controller

SOLE DISTRIBUTION is a South Africa-based company headquartered in Sandton Gauteng.

We are seeking a full-time Merchandise Controller to join our team in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a hybrid role (three days in office, two days working from home) involving the management and control of merchandise operations, ensuring timely purchasing, effective budgeting, and maintaining required stock levels. The Merchandise Controller will liaise with internal teams and external suppliers, analyze inventory data, and ensure compliance with company policies to optimize operational performance.

Responsible for accurately capturing and processing retailer orders, ensuring seamless order flow from booking to fulfilment. This role involves close coordination with retailers, warehouses, and internal teams, while also managing invoicing, crediting, and stock transfers. The Merchandise Coordinator plays a key role in supporting both physical and online retail operations to ensure timely and accurate product availability.

• Load sales orders accurately and promptly into Accounting System, ensuring all customer and order details are correct.
• Provide regular updates on stock requirements to Supply Chain Manager, including anticipated shortfalls, replenishment needs, and priority SKUs.
• Feed sales orders to Free warehouse for processing in a timely manner, ensuring sufficient lead time for picking, packing, and delivery planning.
• Manage and monitor order delivery dates for retailers with strict delivery windows, ensuring commitments are met and any changes are communicated promptly.

• Inbound stock management — notify the warehouse of all incoming stock, verify quantities against purchase orders, and ensure inbound quantities are sufficient for scheduled outbound orders.
• Identify, report, and resolve picking, packing, and dispatch issues to maintain order accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Conduct periodic physical stock counts at Free warehouse and Bonded Warehouse, and reconcile counts against Accounting System records.
• Ensure Accounting System is updated daily with all sales orders, warehouse transfers, and stock movement transactions.
• Coordinate warehouse transfers and monitor stock levels across locations to avoid stock-outs or overstock situations.
• Book deliveries with couriers, or retailer delivery slots, ensuring accurate documentation and scheduling.

• Maintain professional, timely communication with retailers regarding order status, delivery schedules, and any issues impacting supply.
• Confirm delivery appointments and special instructions with retailer receiving teams.
• Act as a second point of contact for retailers regarding orders, stock availability, and delivery timelines.
• Provide updates on order status, delays, backorders, and transfers.

• Invoice sales orders daily once deliveries are confirmed, ensuring accuracy in quantities, pricing, and retailer‑specific requirements.

• Perform stock reconciliations between Free Warehouse/Bonded warehouse and Accounting System, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date data in Accounting System to reflect real‑time stock positions and transaction history.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data capturing and financial processing.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Clear and professional communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues under pressure.

• Experience in retail, fashion distribution, or supply chain administration.
• Prior experience with invoicing, crediting, and stock transfers advantageous.

• Strong Management Control skills combined with the ability to oversee inventory and merchandise operations effectively.
• Proficiency in Analytical Skills and Budgeting to monitor, evaluate, and optimize inventory and financial performance.
• Excellent Communication abilities to collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Experience in Purchasing and managing vendor relationships to secure quality products and negotiate favorable terms.
• Attention to detail and ability to work efficiently in an on‑site, fast‑paced environment.
• Previous experience in merchandise control or a related field is an advantage.
• Qualification in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a relevant field is preferred.