Merchandise Planner

**Now Hiring | Global Fashion Brand | Melbourne**

The Brand |

Our client is a fashion powerhouse - with stores globally, they have continued to expand into the northern hemisphere securing their position as one of the fastest growing Australian brands. They are looking for a Merchandise Planner to join their merchandise team reporting into the Head of Planning. This brand has core values that ensure their team is set up for success, thriving and able to delight their customer.

The Role |

You will join a dynamic, fast paced Merchandise team, and supported by two direct reports you will play a key role in driving business profits through effective inventory management from conception to sale. Working closely with the Buying team, this is a business-critical role that will drive commercial success in their international markets.
- Respond to sales and external market activity to maximise sale opportunities and minimise potential risks
- Maximize profit and minimize risk through stock management and realistic sales and profit forecasts with regular review and appropriate action.
- Post business planning sign off, produce a commercial and balanced range planning framework, which reflects departmental strategy and agreed KPI’s
- Incorporate space planning and relevant departmental store budget proposals into the planning process to meet store and climatic requirements
- Work with the Buyer to regularly assess impact to the forward planning framework based on current market and key fashion trend direction
- Construct a well-balanced range framework which offers the right mix of category e.g. casual/formal, print, plain, colour & fabric to match the customer’s fashion requirements, based on history and current performance
- Consistently liaise with supply chain and production, monitoring commitment and intake, controlling stock flow based on realistic forward projections at the required level for the department
- Maximise team performance through effective people management to drive efficiency and profitability

The Skillset |

You have at least 3-5 years' demonstrated experience as a Planner within an Apparel retailer and are ready to join a global company with a team of dedicated and driven individuals. With a good understanding of all critical path elements and their impact on delivery, your proven track record of effective stock management, is evident within your work history. In addition, you have:

- Strong financial and commercial business acumen
- Knowledge of competitors with the ability to form educated opinions to effect commercial decisions
- Ability to manage key relationships effectively to deliver the business strategy
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team
- Effective negotiation and influencing skills
- Effective numerical, critical thinking and analytical skills
- Ability to coach and develop a team

The Offer |

With a strong salary offering - this is a fantastic opportunity to join this business in their Richmond location, additionally:

- Loyalty and birthday leave
- Wellbeing and environmental incentives
- Learning and development programs
- Recognition program and service awards
- Subsidized car parking

The Talent Mill Recruitment division is a bespoke recruitment consultancy and talent acquisition specialist within the fashion, lifestyle and retail industries. With more than 10 years of specialist expertise with luxury retail, Australian & Contemporary designer, beauty, and lifestyle brands globally we discover, recognize, and connect inspiring individuals to the most desirable brands as a trusted support to founder-led start-ups, SME’s and multinational corporations within the fashion & retail industry.

Recruitment - but make it ethical, not transactional. Quality over quantity - always. Truly consultative and delivered at pace. We hold a genuine passion and expertise for the industries we support and offer a unique and modern recruitment proposition - one where we develop long term, meaningful relationships with all stakeholders.

Angela Millar