Strategic Demand Planner

6 days ago

St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia Zhik Pty Ltd Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

We're looking for a 
Strategic Demand Planner
 to take our forecasting and commercial planning to the next level. This role is future-focused: you'll own our product forecasting plan, deliver insights that guide sales and marketing, and partner with suppliers to align buy plans with demand. This role is about driving growth through proactive forecasting and commercial strategy.

This role translates demand forecasts and product performance data into clear, actionable guidance for commercial teams, ensuring focus on the right products and categories to drive sales growth. In addition, the Strategic Demand Planner works closely with suppliers to align buy plans with forecasted demand, positioning the business for both commercial success and supply readiness.

Based at Head Office in St. Leonards, Sydney, this position is part of the Operations team and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

Tasks & functionality

  • Provide clear, data-driven insights to sales and marketing teams, highlighting growth opportunities and underperforming categories.
  • Deliver and maintain accurate and actionable forecasts that build confidence across the business.
  • Act as a bridge between merchandising, sales, marketing, and suppliers, ensuring alignment with future demand.
  • Contribute to commercial strategy discussions, driving the business toward long-term growth objectives.
  • Continuously improve forecasting tools, reporting processes, and data quality to strengthen planning accuracy.

Key responsibilities

  • Forecasting
    : Develop and maintain detailed demand forecasts across all product categories, factoring in historical sales, market trends, promotions, and channel requirements.
  • Insights & Guidance
    : Deliver actionable recommendations to sales and marketing teams, guiding focus toward high-potential products and categories.
  • Supplier Buy Plans
    : Partner with suppliers to shape seasonal buy plans that align with forecasted demand and commercial objectives.
  • Performance Analysis
    : Review product performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective or proactive actions.
  • Collaboration
    : Work closely with the Product Team on range planning to ensure forecasts align with future assortment strategy.
  • Reporting
    : Produce and present clear reports and insights and recommendations for senior management, supporting confident decision-making.

Success in this Role Looks Like

  • Accurate, reliable forecasts that guide confident business planning and reduce missed opportunities.
  • Sales and marketing teams equipped with clear insights that sharpen focus and improve execution.
  • Supplier buy plans aligned to future demand, improving availability without excess stock.
  • A planning culture that develops and maintains proactive, demand-driven strategy.

Requirements

  • Strong background in merchandise or demand planning, with proven forecasting expertise.
  • Ability to turn data into clear, actionable insights for commercial teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, able to influence sales, marketing, and supplier partners.
  • Advanced Excel and/or Power BI skills are essential.
  • Knowledge of Netstock IA, Netstock Pivot or Netstock IBP software is highly regarded.
  • Strategic mindset: proactive, analytical, and commercially focused.

About Zhik

Zhik began in Australia in 2003, outfitting World and Olympic champions in dinghy sailing. Today, Zhik is an international brand renowned for pushing the boundaries in yachting, sailing, paddling, and performance watersports. With a strong commitment to innovation and advanced research and development, Zhik has recently expanded into performance canoe and kayak, strengthening its position as the leading choice for competitive watersports enthusiasts around the globe.

To support its global reach, Zhik operates 
three warehouses worldwide
, enabling a fully integrated 
omnichannel sales strategy
 across direct-to-consumer, online, and international retail partners. This ensures Zhik's cutting-edge gear is accessible to athletes everywhere.

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