Planner - Platypus

Since 1998 here at Platypus Shoes we have made it our business to deck out every single person who walks through our doors with the freshest footwear from all the biggest brands. But we reckon life goes beyond shoes. We believe it’s what you do in them that truly counts. So stay out late. Wake up early. Walk there, run back. Stand tall and be a champion in a crowd of Naysayers. We’re for the ones that dance harder, sing louder and don’t care what anyone else thinks. This is your story. Play Life Loud.
Platypus Shoes is a part of the Accent Group which is the largest footwear group with over 850+ stores, 34 brands and 30+ online platforms including; Glue Store, Platypus, Skechers, Hype DC, Vans, Dr. Martens, Subtype, The Athletes Foot, CAT, Merrell, The Trybe, Timberland, Stylerunner, Hoka, UGG, Saucony, & Nude Lucy
**About the Role**:
The Merchandise Planner plays a crucial role in ensuring that the right products are available at the right time and in the right quantities to meet customer demand. This role involves analysing sales trends, forecasting demand, and creating effective merchandise plans that drive sales and profitability. The Merchandise Planner will collaborate closely with buying, marketing, retail, e-commerce and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels, maximize sales potential, and minimize markdowns.
**Your key responsibilities will include**:

- Develop and maintain merchandise plans by category, style, and department, ensuring alignment with business objectives and sales targets.
- Analyse historical sales data, current trends, and seasonality to forecast demand and recommend replenishment strategies.
- Collaborate with buyers to ensure the appropriate product assortments are selected to meet customer preferences and maximize sales potential.
- Monitor inventory levels across channels and locations, ensuring optimal stock levels and reducing out-of-stock situations.
- Work with the supply chain team to optimize stock flow and manage lead times to ensure timely product availability.
- Coordinate with the warehouse and logistics teams to support inventory management and delivery schedules.
- Regularly review sales performance against targets and adjust plans accordingly to meet or exceed objectives.
- Provide detailed reporting on product performance, markdowns, stock turn, and other key metrics.
- Identify and analyse trends in customer demand, recommending adjustments to inventory plans and promotions.
- Work cross-functionally with buying, marketing, and merchandising teams to align strategies and ensure seamless product execution.
- Communicate regularly with vendors and suppliers to monitor product availability and ensure timely deliveries.
- Present merchandise plans and performance reports to senior leadership as needed.
- Manage and adhere to merchandise budgets, ensuring that sales, margin, and inventory targets are met.
- Collaborate with the finance team to ensure pricing strategies are aligned with financial goals and profitability objectives.

**To succeed in this role, you will need to have the following**:

- 3+ years of experience in merchandise planning or related role, preferably in fashion and retail.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data and trends.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work across teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced skills required), and experience with merchandise planning software (e.g., FSR, SAP, JDA, or similar tools).
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

At Accent Group Limited we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and inclusion. We believe in the diversity of our people across age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, physical and mental ability. We strive on creating an equal employment environment where everyone from any background can be themselves. The Accent Group acknowledges, and pays respect, to the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Maori people.