Associate Merchandise Planner

About The Warehouse Group

Since its establishment in 1982, The Warehouse has played a significant role in the lives of New Zealanders, accompanying generations through milestones such as first uniforms, first homes, and family events. The brand remains deeply connected with communities across Aotearoa, and is a foundation for retail career growth.

Role Overview

The Associate Merchandise Planner position involves enhancing commercial results across varied product categories like Home, Apparel, Leisure, and Grocery. Collaborating closely with Senior Merchandise Planners, Buyers, and other departments, this role provides valuable exposure to the retail industry’s dynamic environment. Under the guidance of senior planners, you will manage your own merchandise planning accounts and leverage data insights to inform sales, inventory, forecasting, and profitability decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with category and seasonal merchandise planning activities.
• Utilise reporting tools and data analysis to highlight risks, opportunities, and improvement measures for category performance.
• Develop forecasts, manage stock, and optimise inventory levels.
• Coordinate with Buyers to track product sales and market trends.
• Provide data-driven insights to support promotions, product assortment, and restocking strategies.
• Participate in post-season evaluations and planning cycles.
• Ensure product availability aligns with customer demand through efficient stock placement.

Candidate Profile

The retail sector is fast-paced and requires creative problem solving and applying insights to real business challenges. Ideal candidates are inquisitive, commercially minded, and eager to understand product lifecycle from supplier to shelf to enhance customer experience and business results. Experience in merchandise planning, retail analysis, allocation, forecasting, or related commercial functions is advantageous.

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Comfortable managing and interpreting large datasets.
• Proficient in Excel and open to mastering planning software.
• Sound commercial judgement and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective communication and managing relationships with various stakeholders.
• Curiosity about factors influencing retail success.
• Ability to multitask and prioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment.

Development and Benefits

• Gain comprehensive training in end-to-end merchandise planning processes.
• Work closely with experienced merchandise planners and commercial teams.
• Receive coaching to enhance your planning expertise.
• Clear progression pathway into a career in merchandise planning.
• Experience making commercial decisions that impact customers and business performance.

Additional Details

Joining The Warehouse Group offers the chance to build a future in retail, not just sustain its present. The company supports employee well-being and career growth with perks including:

• Brand-wide discounts.
• Birthday leave and an additional charity day off.
• 26 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Free parking and electric vehicle charging at the Northshore office.
• A culture of collaboration, with flexibility including Friday remote work.
• Facilities such as an onsite gym and café with views at the Northcote support office.
• Various wellbeing and development programs.