Merchandise Planner

Work part-time
- Competitive salary + wardrobe allowance
- AU womenswear designer client

Join our gorgeous AU Design client in their Waterloo support office.

Working in collaboration with the Merchandise Director, you will maintain optimum inventory levels and balanced assortments in order to maximise sales and inventory, to increase profitability and stock performance. You will also ensure aged stock levels are managed according to company targets, making strong recommendations to the business.

**This is a part-time position, working 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday).**
- 5+ years experience in a Merchandise Planner role, within fashion apparel.
- Impeccable analytical & numerical skillset.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Advanced Excel & computer literacy.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Adaptable to change and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to influence and inspire action in others.
- Experience presenting to senior management.
- High level interpersonal and communication skills.
- Commitment to the brand’s sustainability journey.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Management of OTB & seasonal category analysis to influence range plans, category development and sales and revenue.
- Development of yearly budget in line with financial objectives and strategy.
- Manage WSSI and MSSI by leading the monthly forecast and annual forecast process that includes sales, profit and inventory.
- Key item planning and ensuring optimal inventory levels are maintained through OTB management.
- Key item life cycle management including reviewing key items in range reviews, recommending new key items and also exit strategy.
- Establish target sales, margin and sell-through performance, by category and by retail channel.
- Work closely with all warehouse facilities to manage inventory capacity in-stores
- Review weekly trading performance and achieved KPI’s
- In collaboration with the Buying Department, manage the total product lifecycle.
- Assist Buying team with stock quantities and sizing analysis based on assortment plan.
- Manage inventory by category within target weeks cover, own the stock on hand, reduce losses and manage stock flow.
- Management of markdown proposals and ensure markdown strategy and product spend is planned and executed across each category/retail channel in line with budget.
- Create and implement inventory allocation strategies to maximise sales, inventory placement and customer experience
- Create and compile reports where necessary, to ensure the accurate position of margin, sales and inventory is represented.