Merchandise Apparel Planner Apparel

Who are we?

With our iconic logo, we are one of the most renowned Australian retail brands and for almost 100 years, we have held a special place in the hearts and minds of Australian families.

We’re immensely proud of our history and are looking for people to join us who are as excited by our future as we are.

We’re moving to our brand-new office at Chadstone, a hub of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration in early 2026. Join us as we step into an exciting new chapter

What will you do?

We are looking for passionate Merchandise Planners with Apparel and/or Soft Home experience to join a fun and supportive team within a fast-paced and dynamic environment to drive our strategy and play a key part in the growth of our Apparel functions.

You are responsible for maximising sales and profit through the effective management of the department range architecture and product assortment and ensuring that the commercial plan is executed to deliver the department strategy. You will be accountable for inventory health and balancing customer-facing availability with stock productivity. You will work collaboratively with key stakeholders to develop strategies and processes to drive sales and profitability in line with Target’s values. This is a pivotal role where you can make an impact across our stores and the wider merchandise team through superior planning skills of our inventory. Strong experience in price architecture and product assortment in a large-volume retailer is essential.

Other responsibilities will include:

- Range Planning: Building a product range that meets both customer needs and business goals.
- Trend Analysis: Incorporate market trends and customer feedback into your range planning process.
- Private Label Strategy: Develop strategies to manage private label products.
- Supplier Relationships: Work with suppliers to ensure the quality and timely delivery of private label products.
- Pricing Strategy: Develop and implement pricing strategies for different product categories.
- Management of supplier range plans to ensure alignment to the Target strategy.
- Support the Buyer to develop the category strategy by developing & managing the category budget and forecast. Accountable for allocation strategies, incorporating the merchandise plan and flow strategy to meet store inventory needs providing guidance to inventory controller and Demand Planner.
- Ensure key deliverable KPI’s such as Sales, Profit, OTB and inventory are managed within agreed parameters.

What are we looking for?

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate at least 5+ years of planning experience and management of multi-million-dollar portfolios in a large-scale big box retail environment with a tertiary qualification in Finance, Operations or Business would be an advantage. Good working experience in leading a small to medium sized team is essential as is ability to plan, implement and lead a merchandise strategy along with demonstrated experience working cross-functionally to achieve objectives, and ability to trade in a business that is reacting quickly to market pressures. We are looking for a commercially savvy individual who will bring a curious and data-driven mindset as well as a passion for all things Retail. You love focusing on product, customers are always front of mind and building and managing relationships with a variety of key stakeholders is one of your strengths.

To be successful in this role you will have experience as follows:

- Strong commercial acumen and numerical skills, high levels of attention to detail. Advanced Planning Skills – Forecasting, OTB management, Financial Skills and Strategic thinking.
- Ability to observe, interpret and act upon trends in customer behaviour.
- Highly inquisitive, self-driven with strong organisation skills in a fast paced retail environment.
- Quantification of individual products over time.
- Strong in range architecture and product assortment experience.
- Ability to articulate observations, reasons for actions taken and high levels of persuasiveness.
- Proficient with business intelligence tools, Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Demonstrated ability to complete accurate product plans, replans, prepare financial budgets and department performance analysis.
- Ability to optimise stock turn through sales forecasting, stock flow and product planning expertise.
- Proficiency in use of merchandise planning software such as enterprise planning (Blue Yonder/JDA), SAP, Oracle, etc.
- Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Business, Commerce or Retail-related degree.
- Planning experience across a variety of apparel categories is advantageous.

Benefits we’ll offer:

- Flexible hybrid working options through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.
- Access to our team member discount program which can be used across our company network, including Target, Kmart, Bunnings, and Officeworks.
- A free OnePass membership offering free delivery across Target and Kmart on eligible product.
- Access to our benefits program, which entitles you to exclusive discounts and benefits in the areas of entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health, with over 60 suppliers.
- Opportunity to participate in a bonus program for eligible team members.
- Free onsite parking when you’re required to come into the office.
- Inclusive parental leave and ongoing support through our partnership with Circle In for team members of all backgrounds and family circumstances.
- A dynamic learning and support program.
- Mentor Program opportunities as a Mentee or Mentor.
- Kudos recognition program with peer nominations for prizes.
- Wesfarmers is the parent company, and eligible employees can elect to purchase shares through a salary sacrifice arrangement.
- Great career opportunities across the broader Wesfarmers Group.

A place you can belong

We celebrate the rich diversity of the communities in which we operate. We are committed to creating inclusive and safe environments where all our team members can contribute and succeed. We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected, and safe, and strive to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and welcoming, with applications encouraged from all candidates.

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