Merchandise Planning Manager
Globally Recognised Premium Fashion Brand
Now Hiring in Sydney
The Brand |
An established Australian premium fashion and lifestyle brand with a strong global presence. Operating across retail, eCommerce, wholesale and international distribution, the business is entering an exciting period of evolution and is investing in the commercial capability required to support its next phase of growth.
With a highly regarded product offering and an established international customer base, this is a business balancing brand, creativity and craftsmanship with an increasingly sophisticated global commercial strategy. As the organisation continues to evolve, there is now an opportunity to establish a best-in-class merchandise planning function that will play an important role in shaping its future performance.
The Role |
This newly created Head of Merchandise Planning position represents an opportunity to build, lead and shape the global planning function from the ground up.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will transform planning from an operational support function into a strategic commercial partner, introducing best-practice frameworks across WSSI, OTB, forecasting, inventory planning and reporting. You will own the global merchandise planning strategy across retail, eCommerce, wholesale and distributor channels, with responsibility for sales, stock, gross margin and inventory investment plans.
Working closely with senior leadership, Finance, Sales, Marketing and Design, you will influence commercial strategy, lead category and assortment planning, improve inventory productivity and provide the insights required to make confident, data-led decisions.
Beyond the numbers, this is a genuine transformation and legacy-building role. You will establish the processes, reporting infrastructure and planning disciplines that enable the business to scale sustainably, while developing the planning capability and commercial thinking of the wider organisation.
The Skillset |
You will be an accomplished merchandise planning leader with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on, bringing the commercial confidence to influence at executive level while still being comfortable building the foundations of a planning function.
You will bring 8-10+ years' experience within merchandise, commercial or inventory planning, ideally having operated at Senior Planning Manager, Head of Planning or equivalent level. Critically, you will have demonstrated experience building or transforming planning functions, frameworks and capability, rather than simply operating within an established structure.
You will have deep expertise across WSSI, OTB, forecasting, inventory investment, stock management and assortment planning, supported by strong financial acumen and advanced Excel and planning systems capability. You will be an engaging people leader, an influential stakeholder partner and someone who can turn complex data into clear, commercially compelling recommendations.
Experience within premium, luxury or global retail will be highly regarded, alongside a genuine understanding of the balance between creativity, product and commercial performance.
Apply with Jordan |
If this sounds like you, reach out to Jordan for a confidential chat.
jordan@thetalentmill.com.au
The Talent Mill Recruitment division is a bespoke consultancy and talent acquisition specialist within the fashion, lifestyle and retail industries. With more than 10 years specialist expertise with luxury, lifestyle & fashion brands globally we discover, recognize, and connect inspiring individuals to the most desirable brands as a trusted support to founder-led start-ups, SME’s and multinational corporations within the fashion & retail industry.
Recruitment – but make it ethical not transactional. Quality over quantity – always. Truly consultative and delivered at pace. We hold a genuine passion and expertise for the industries we support, and offer a unique and modern recruitment proposition – one where we develop long term, meaningful connections, add value and deliver an unforgettable service.