At Embelo, we’re dedicated to helping founders of consulting businesses start and scale efficiently. Backed by our UK-based investors and clients, we deliver exceptional client services to a growing group of UK businesses, combining technical expertise, South African spirit, and the latest in AI-powered services. One of our key partners, Inference Chain , is growing its specialist retail planning capability, helping leading retailers transform how they manage Space, Assortment, and Merchandising operations. The team works closely with customers to optimise store space, assortment planning, and retail performance through modern planning solutions in complex, fast-moving retail environments. Role Overview Excited to now be expanding our RELEX capability and are now hiring a Merchandising Consultant to support delivery across Space & Assortment implementations and ongoing retail optimisation projects. This role will work closely with retail customers to design, configure, and implement RELEX solutions across Micro Space, Macro Space, and Assortment Planning environments. Helping retailers optimise store space, ranging, clustering, and merchandising performance in complex, fast-moving retail environments. Location This is a hybrid role based in Cape Town approx. 3 days in the office 8-5pm (project dependant). If you’re applying from another location, please be aware relocation to Cape Town will be required and would need to be arranged personally. Role Description This role blends retail planning expertise, technical configuration, and client-facing consulting, making it ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and shaping scalable merchandising solutions. Support customers throughout the full lifecycle: from purchase to go-live and ongoing continuous service. Lead and participate in customer workshops and calls, including design, configuration, and playback sessions. Configure and optimise RELEX solutions across Space Planning and Assortment capabilities. Work closely with customers to understand retail use cases and translate them into scalable system solutions. Provide expert advice on retail merchandising, category management, and space optimisation best practices. Support Micro Space initiatives including blocking, sequencing, optimisation, and automation. Support Macro Space planning and optimisation initiatives across retail environments. Configure and optimise assortment planning, clustering, and ranging solutions. Own and manage the configuration plan, integrate it into project plans, provide time estimates, and elevate delays. Collaborate with technical teams and customers to validate and troubleshoot retail data. Train customers and become a recognised subject matter expert within the solution area. Define and monitor KPIs to measure customer success and business value. What You Bring We’re looking for someone who combines retail merchandising expertise, consulting know-how, and strong client empathy. Bachelor’s/Master’s degree or 3 to 4 years relevant experience working with retail customers and retail planning processes. Experience in Retail Space Planning, Merchandising, Category Management, or Assortment Planning. Hands‑on experience with RELEX or similar retail planning tools (e.g. Blue Yonder, SymphonyAI, Nielsen). Strong understanding of retail merchandising, store planning, assortment optimisation, and clustering concepts. Experience delivering retail software or transformation projects. Excellent communication and workshop facilitation skills. Ability to bridge business needs and technical configuration. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills. Comfortable working in agile, fast‑changing customer environments. What we consider as an advantage Proven track record of successful retail client implementations. Experience working as an Implementation Specialist, Business Consultant, or similar within retail planning environments. Exposure to automation and optimisation within retail merchandising solutions. Any other languages at a high level of competency. Working With Us At Inference Chain, we’re a young and fast-growing consultancy built by people who are naturally curious and passionate about lifelong learning. If you’re driven and want to help shape the early stages of a dynamic business, we’d love to have you on board. You’ll be part of a team driving excellence, growing together, and we’ll be having plenty of fun along the way. We’re committed to hiring future leaders who will help shape our next chapter, and we’ll invest in your growth through access to the latest technology, hands‑on experience, mentorship and ongoing training and certifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr