Merchandise Planner

Join our Commercial team as a Merchandise Planner and play a pivotal role in shaping our future through insightful forecasting and strategic planning

• Look after our general merchandise categories – books, gifts, stationery, and souvenirs
• Gain real world experience, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact in a growing, globally recognised brand.
• Thrive in a high-energy role, collaborate cross-functionally and adapt to market trends to keep our offerings fresh and exciting for customers.

About WHSmith Australia

WHSmith is an iconic British retailer with proud Australian operations, at the heart of travel retail, offering books, news, and travel essentials, designed for life on the move. Our diverse retail brands include WHSmith Retail, InMotion, Kids Stop and The Book Cellar, each dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

With over 230 years of heritage and stores in more than 30 countries, WHSmith is a trusted part of people's journeys around the world. As a diverse group of passionate people, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

When you join WHSmith, you step into an exciting, fast paced and purpose driven retail environment with real opportunities to grow a career in a truly unique retail setting.

This role is based in our WHSmith Australia Support Office in Woolloomooloo (10-minute walk from Town Hall station).

How You'll Make an Impact

As a Merchandise Planner (General Merch) at WHSmith Australia, you will work cross functionally to deliver and manage the range review, range management and range analysis process whilst managing stock within agreed open to buy limits.

This role will develop stock and ranging processes in conjunction with the Commercial team.

A day in your life could look like

• Set and deliver cost, quality, and availability of stock targets.
• Deliver KPIs through leadership and coaching of direct reports and challenging key business stakeholders.
• Establish monthly budgets and replans (in consultation with buying team) for sales, stock, stock turns, margins, purchases, and gross profit.
• Drive assortment optimisation through effective space and range management.
• Provide financial analysis, support and advice on ranging, budgeting, and forecasting activities, to ensure financial targets are met.
• Manage problem stock and ensure exit strategies are identified and implemented
• Ensure OTB is controlled within agreed targets.
• Lead effective delivery of range changes and control ranges within agreed parameters.
• Create and develop stock management processes.
• Establish processes for seasonal sales forecasting and range cascade documentation.
• Plan and execute seasonal and promotional stock pushes and manage exit from the same.

What You'll Need To Succeed

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a merchandise planner role (General merchandise experience is ideal but not a must).
• Experience with coaching and managing direct reports would be advantageous.
• Proven experience developing effective processes in merchandise planning.
• Experience in a Retail environment.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in space management would be advantageous.
• Ability to use data and personal impact to influence and negotiate.

What's In It For You?

• Competitive salary and annual bonus.
• Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday
• Access to 24/7 wellbeing support through our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Finish at 4pm on Fridays
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Access to online learning and development resources.
• Generous employee discounts across a range of our products and with our retail partners.
• Inclusive and accessible workplace with access to wellbeing room.
• Free barista style coffee available in our renovated Support Office.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

WHSmith is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment. We recognise the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do, and we actively promote a culture of belonging through our policies, procedures, and working practices. If you have any support requirements, please let us know at the time of your application so we can assist you appropriately during the recruitment process.

If you're ready to kickstart a rewarding career with WHSmith, we'd love to hear from you. APPLY NOW

*We will get in contact once we have reviewed your application