Merchandise Planner

MERCHANDISE PLANNER

THE ROLE:

As the Merchandise Planner, you will play a key role in shaping our product assortment and inventory management strategies. You will be responsible for critical aspects of planning, reporting, analysis, allocation and forecasting. You will leverage your analytical skills and market insights to optimise sales performance, manage inventory levels, and drive profitability across our retail and online channels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate closely with the Product team to develop merchandise planning strategies that align with our brand vision, customer preferences, and market trends.
• Utilise historical sales data, market intelligence, and customer feedback to forecast demand and identify opportunities for product assortment optimisation.
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Merchandise Planner to ensure accurate and timely merchandise assortment planning, including product lifecycle management and seasonal forecasting in line with the critical path.
• Build, implement and manage assortment plans to achieve department financial KPIs.
• Analyse sales performance, inventory levels, and product sell-through rates to make informed recommendations for inventory replenishment, allocation, and markdown strategies.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including retail operations and distribution, to ensure efficient inventory flow and minimise stock risks.
• Conduct regular performance analysis and post-season reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of merchandise strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Determine, review, and maintain optimum stock levels for retail stores, and analyse product flow and sales trends to ensure accurate forecasts of product needs.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences to make strategic decisions and maintain our competitive edge in the market.
• Control the department stock levels and stock turn.

• Applies AI-driven forecasting models and automated analytics workflows to enhance demand accuracy, optimise stock decisions, and reduce manual planning tasks.

• Communicate product launch timings, allocation schedules, and logistics updates to broader teams to ensure alignment and execution.

• Provide annual forecasts of raw materials and components to suppliers, supporting efficient production planning.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in merchandise planning
• Previous experience in footwear is essential.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with merchandise planning software is advantageous.
• Experience with NetSuite is an advantage, and prior experience working with ERPs is essential.
• Experience in leveraging data visualisation tools to communicate product performance and support decision-making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities, a results-oriented mindset, and a passion for driving business growth through data-driven insights.
• Flexibility to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, with a keen interest in fashion and footwear trends.
• Strong organisational skills and the proven ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.

THE BENEFITS:

• A supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Be a part of a company dedicated to making a positive impact, and is a proud B Corp certified company.
• Competitive remuneration and employee discounts.
• Well-being programs.
• Company-run activities, dinners, and events.

ABOUT BARED:

Great-looking, seriously comfortable shoes are what we do. As a certified B Corp, we believe in doing business better – for the planet and for its people. Our people are our greatest asset, and we're growing fast; you'll join a passionate and fun team, where you genuinely have a voice and can make an impact.

LOCATION:

Bared HQ: 15 Hamilton Street, Oakleigh, VIC 3166

Bared is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace, where diversity isn't just welcomed - it's celebrated. We firmly believe that embracing diversity, inclusion, and belonging is fundamental to our organisational success. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to promoting workplace diversity and ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for all employees. Our employment decisions are solely based on business needs, job criteria, and individual qualifications, free from bias related to any legally protected characteristic such as race, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any form is not tolerated within our culture at Bared.