Planner - Apparel Merchandise

About the Role

Join a dynamic team responsible for two of Australia's most beloved retail brands, Kmart and Target, consisting of over 50,000 employees worldwide. As a Planner within the Apparel portfolio, you will play a vital role in shaping category strategy, enhancing customer experience, and driving business growth. Collaborate with buying and planning leaders to craft customer-centric financial and assortment strategies that boost sales, profitability, and inventory management.

Key Responsibilities

• Achieve sales, profit, stock turnover, and return on investment targets via customer-driven range and financial strategies.
• Develop and oversee merchandise financial plans, forecasts, and category budgets effectively.
• Manage Open-to-Buy (OTB), optimize assortment, and increase inventory efficiency.
• Design and maintain range architecture aligned with category and customer plans.
• Create pricing frameworks and product price structures that maximize customer value and commercial results.
• Analyze category performance to spot risks, opportunities, and necessary actions to enhance business outcomes.
• Proactively manage inventory, promotions, and markdown risks to improve trade performance.
• Forecast stock needs to optimize revenue, margin, and inventory turnover.
• Work closely with Buying teams to develop assortments balancing customer demand and commercial goals.
• Leverage in-depth knowledge of product and price architectures to direct category strategy and long-term growth.
• Ensure category initiatives align with broader regional business unit priorities and objectives.
• Use customer, competitor, and market insights to guide strategic planning.
• Contribute to category reviews, seasonal planning, and identify growth opportunities.
• Support leadership in executing performance enhancements.
• Mentor and coach Planning Assistants and junior staff to build team capability.
• Lead day-to-day planning operations to ensure effective execution and strong decision-making.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Promote knowledge sharing and skill development across the Planning team.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in merchandise planning within Apparel, Soft Goods, or similar retail sectors.
• Proven success managing complex multi-million-dollar portfolios.
• Strong expertise in product architecture, category and price segmentation with the ability to translate strategies into commercial results.
• Excellent commercial acumen complemented by advanced analytical and numerical capabilities.
• Competence in developing and executing financial and assortment plans to meet sales, margin, stock, and profit targets.
• Skilled in trade management including forecasting, inventory optimization, markdown risk reduction, and performance evaluation.
• Experience in identifying customer trends, market opportunities, and mitigating commercial risks.
• Ability to measure product success through metrics such as rate of sale, sell-through, stock coverage, markdown exposure, and exit planning.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with business intelligence and planning tools.
• Effective stakeholder management and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Personal Attributes

• Customer-focused mindset dedicated to delivering excellent retail outcomes.
• Inquisitive and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Resilience and adaptability in fast-evolving, dynamic environments.
• Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid working options under the Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy.
• Team member discount cards valid at Kmart, Target, Officeworks, and Bunnings.
• Access to exclusive discounts and benefits through the Brighter Benefits program with over 60 suppliers in entertainment, travel, lifestyle, and health.
• Participation opportunity in a bonus program rewarding dedication and performance.
• Inclusive parental leave and ongoing support through partnerships catering to diverse family needs.
• Dynamic learning and development programs.
• Chance to accelerate career growth through mentorship programs.
• Kudos recognition initiative allowing peer nominations and prize winnings.
• Extensive career advancement possibilities across the wider Wesfarmers Group.

Diversity and Inclusion

The company values diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring a safe environment where all employees feel respected and empowered. They encourage applications from candidates of varied backgrounds and commit to accessible and welcoming recruitment processes. Reasonable workplace adjustments can be requested to support needs.