SENIOR MERCHANDISE PLANNER – RETAIL | MELBOURNE | FULL-TIME | ON-SITE (5 DAYS)
We’ve partnered with a growing retailer to recruit an experienced Senior Merchandise Planner to join their Melbourne head office.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven planner ready to take ownership of key categories and play a strategic role in driving sales, margin, and inventory performance. You’ll be a trusted partner to Buying and senior leadership, using data and insights to influence decisions and shape category success.
Why You’ll Love It
Senior role with real ownership and strategic influence
Work closely with Buying and senior leadership teams
High-impact position driving category and trading performance
Join a growing retailer with strong momentum and ambitious plans
Collaborative on-site environment with strong cross-functional exposure
Clear opportunities for long-term growth and career progression
The Role
As Senior Merchandise Planner, you’ll lead the planning strategy across key product categories, balancing customer demand, inventory investment, and financial targets to maximise business performance.
This role requires someone highly analytical and commercially sharp, with the confidence to challenge, influence, and drive strategic planning decisions in a fast-paced retail environment.
Interested? Email your CV to Seirian@whointhezoo.com.au or apply via the link for a confidential discussion in the new year.
*Only suitable candidates will be contacted in relation to their application.
Hiring Consultant: Seirian Puw
Job Code: 1638310
Please note that only those applicants who fit the brief will be contacted in relation to their application.
RESPONSIBILITIES +
- Lead category planning to deliver sales, margin, and inventory targets
- Build and manage forecasts, OTB, and intake planning across seasonal ranges
- Analyse trading performance and identify risks, opportunities, and growth drivers
- Drive stock optimisation, replenishment, and markdown strategies
- Partner closely with Buying on range architecture and assortment planning
- Deliver detailed reporting and commercial insights to senior stakeholders
- Support and mentor junior planners or planning support team members
- Continuously improve planning processes and reporting efficiencies
REQUIREMENTS +
- Proven experience in a Senior Merchandise Planner or Planner role within retail
- Strong understanding of forecasting, OTB management, and inventory optimisation
- Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical capability
- Excellent commercial acumen and ability to translate data into action
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly collaborative retail environment