Merchandise Planner

About the Company

Join an innovative Australian wholesale company that's setting industry trends across multiple retail categories. With dedicated teams spanning Design, Customer Service, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Distribution, Merchandising, and Planning & Analysis, we offer comprehensive Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) solutions for major retailers throughout Australia.

We're renowned for delivering innovative products across diverse categories and managing extensive product ranges and brands for leading Australian retailers. Our success stems from a commitment to sustainable and profitable retail growth, driven by the hard work and innovation of our people.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a self-driven, analytical thinker who excels at operating both in detail and seeing the bigger picture. As our Merchandise Planner, you'll work closely with Allocations, Operations, Sales, and Product Teams to ensure optimum stock levels in stores for our customers, accurate sales forecast and warehouse stock.

Key Responsibilities

• Create store/product level allocations weekly based on sales trend performance, Customer OTB requirements and internal warehouse constraints; Follow the allocations through to success, resolving issues with Customers where needed. (Note, Allocation are excel based, and successful candidates will have previous experience in excel-based allocations methodologies).
• Develop and implement warehouse inventory purchasing plans based on future sales forecasts, consistently adjusting for forecast changes and ensuring optimal balance of warehouse stocks to meet future Customer needs.
• Consistently review product sales and stock performance, recommending actions to capitalize on opportunities.
• Actions expected range from identifying stock vs sales opportunities, space utilization opportunities, product range opportunities and in-store merchandising opportunities.
• Achieve critical financial targets including sales, stock turn, sell thru and margin.
• Place special emphasis on the analysis of aged inventories, recommending financially viable solutions to ensure the health of inventory holdings.
• Communicate effectively with the Customer on a regular basis to create and foster a solid business relationship.
• Ownership of product maintenance and data accuracy.

KPI's

• Customer store in-stock position meets company targets.
• Customer open to buy is consistently within budget.
• Customer Sales performance KPI's.
• Aged stock is consistently addressed and cleared without significant financial impact to the company.
• Critical financial targets, including sales, stock turn, sell thru and margin, are consistently met.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in Merchandise Planning in a Retail or Wholesale environment.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in excel-based allocations.
• Prior experience in a Retail of FCMG store level role, highly desired.
• Prior experience in Allocations Management, highly desired.
• Strong financial and numerical acumen
• Solid analytical capabilities with experience in analysing store performances opportunities.
• Intermediate or higher knowledge in Microsoft Excel.
• Previous experience with BI or similar reporting tools.
• Initiative to recognize or identify potential problems or challenges early and resolution skills to implement solutions accordingly.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to communicate numerical data in a clear, concise manner.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills with the ability to multi-task.
• High level of problem-solving abilities, with a high level of resilience when common problems re-appear.
• Positive attitude and a willingness to share or embrace new ideas.