Merchandise Planner

**The Opportunity**

The **Merchandise Planner** is responsible for driving the merchandise strategy and optimizing inventory to meet and exceed financial goals. They develop seasonal product strategies based on business opportunities and collaborate with cross-functional departments to execute their vision. They will manage and plan merchandise inventory positions and markdown strategies to drive departmental sales, inventory, profit, and sell-through objectives. The Merchandise Planner also provides in-season financial projections and strategies while identifying risks and opportunities to maximize profits. They are also responsible for providing the store allocators with the necessary guidance and direction to help them achieve their objectives

**Key Responsibilities**
- Drive customer satisfaction and expand UNIQLO's 'LifeWear' concept by delivering exceptional product experiences
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities in the Australian market and optimize sales while meeting customer satisfaction goals
- Develop weekly item-level financial plans for sales, gross margin, and inventory to support business growth.
- Devise pricing strategies that maximize sales and gross profit, ensuring competitiveness in the market
- Reforecast business in-season based on current performance, present revised projections and recommendations to cross functional teams and senior leadership
- Create allocation strategies that align with merchandise plans and flow strategies to meet inventory needs across stores
- Strategically create and plan product assortments (item, colour, size) for each product category to optimize sales and manage replenishment plans/ production plans.
- Place orders for both seasonal and replenishment product buys, maintaining optimal stock levels
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional departments, such as Marketing and Store Operations to align product strategies for success
- Proactively gathering feedback from voice of customers and store members, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring appropriate product line up
- Coordinate with visual merchandisers to execute monthly layouts across different store formats
- Manage team tasks with manager to support each business function.
- Support new members on job training

**Experience, skills and knowledge**
- Minimum 3-4 years' experience in merchandise planning AND/OR minimum 2-3 years' experience in allocation
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Knowledge of retail industry trends and an understanding of consumer behaviour
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Detail-oriented mindset, ensuring accuracy and precision in merchandise planning
- Proactive and results-driven attitude, with a passion for achieving and exceeding targets
- Ability to handle multiple projects effectively with a sense of urgency and commitment to accuracy

**What's in it for You?**
- Opportunity to work in a leading global fashion retailer
- Generous employee discounts and benefits
- Collaborative, engaging workplace culture - combining the best of Japanese and Australian culture

**To be eligible to apply, you must have full working rights in Australia.**

UNIQLO is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Employee discount

Work Location: In person