Senior Merchandise Planner

About us:

Bringing an ever-rotating range of Craft, Kids, Fashion, Home, Beauty and Paper supplies to the market, Kaisercraft has been designing and producing a diverse range of products from the early 2000's. Based in Geelong, we're a family-owned business with over 90 retail stores and counting located throughout Australia.  Whilst we continue to grow, Kaisercraft have a strong focus on ensuring the Kaisercraft values are carried all the way from out Head office through to our Retail stores. To be successful in this fun & hardworking environment, you will show Mutual Respect, Humility and Integrity and will have a growth mindset to continue to build our much-loved brand.

About the role:

Are you a strategic, solutions-focused thinker with a passion for building systems that drive commercial success? We're looking for an experienced and adaptable Senior Merchandise Planner to help us reshape how we manage stock, drive sales, and deliver results.

This is a cross-functional and hands-on role, offering the opportunity to work closely with teams across the entire business — from product and buying to supply chain, marketing, and finance. You'll not only lead core planning tasks but also have real influence over the structure and future of our planning and replenishment processes, helping build and improve systems that scale with the business.

Reporting to the Head of Product & Marketing, this is a great opportunity for someone wanting to take ownership and help lead change — and potentially manage and mentor 2–3 cross-functional team members.

Please note we do not offer hybrid working arrangements and the role will be required onsite in Geelong full time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of merchandise planning across multiple categories, with a focus on aligning plans to commercial goals and sales targets.

• Lead the development and improvement of planning and replenishment systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness.

• Analyse sales data, inventory performance, and customer demand to drive forecasting and inventory decisions.

• Work cross-functionally with buying, product, marketing, and supply chain teams to build cohesive seasonal assortments and promotional strategies.

• Partner with logistics to improve product flow and availability across channels.

• Monitor stock levels and recommend actions on replenishment, markdowns, and inventory optimization.

• Create reporting tools and dashboards that bring visibility to key metrics, risks, and opportunities.

• Support pre-season planning and drive in-season adjustments to maximize sales and margin.

• Challenge the status quo — identify what's not working in our current processes and propose better, scalable solutions.

• Help shape the future of planning — from systems and tools to team structure and process.

About You:

• 4+ years of experience in merchandise planning, demand planning, or inventory management.

• Retail industry experience is highly regarded and strongly preferred.

• A strong track record of building or improving planning/replenishment systems or processes.

• Highly analytical with advanced Excel skills; familiarity with planning software (e.g., Oracle, SAP, JDA, or similar) preferred.

• Confident working with ambiguity and passionate about solving operational challenges.

• Strong communication and project management skills; able to collaborate effectively across functions.

• Detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience leading or mentoring team members is an advantage.

Why Work with Us?

• Be the key driver of change in a role where your ideas will be valued.

• Join a business that's improving systems, targeting scalable growth, and continuous improvement.

• Work with a passionate, collaborative team that supports innovation and autonomy.

• Potential to lead and grow a small cross-functional team.

• Competitive salary, and real opportunities for career development.