Merchandise Planning Lead
Highly Regarded Contemporary Fashion Label
Now Hiring in Melbourne
The Brand |
Our client is one of Australia's most respected contemporary fashion retailers, recognised for its elevated aesthetic, strong brand equity, and loyal customer following. With a focus on craftsmanship, premium product, and purposeful growth, the business continues to strengthen its position within the Australian fashion landscape while investing in innovation, customer experience, and commercial excellence.
The Role |
Reporting into the General Manager, the Merchandise Planning Lead will be responsible for driving the merchandise planning strategy across the business, ensuring inventory, sales, and profitability objectives are achieved.
Leading a small team, you will partner closely with Buying, Retail, eCommerce, Finance, and Executive stakeholders to optimise stock investment, maximise commercial opportunities, and support sustainable business growth.
This role requires a strategic and commercially astute leader who can balance long-term planning with agile decision-making in a dynamic retail environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and execute merchandise financial plans aligned to business objectives.
Lead seasonal and annual planning processes including budgeting, forecasting, and OTB management.
Drive inventory productivity through effective stock management and allocation strategies.
Analyse sales performance, market trends, and customer demand to identify risks and opportunities.
Partner with Buying teams to ensure balanced assortments and optimal stock investment decisions.
Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support commercial decision-making.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Planning team, fostering a high-performance culture.
Continuously improve planning processes, reporting capabilities, and systems utilisation.
Collaborate cross-functionally to support retail, digital, and omnichannel growth initiatives.
The Skillset |
Proven experience in a senior Merchandise Planning or Planning Manager capacity within fashion, apparel, lifestyle, or retail environments.
Demonstrated success leading merchandise financial planning and inventory management strategies.
Strong leadership experience with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop teams.
Experience partnering with executive stakeholders and influencing commercial outcomes.
Advanced analytical and financial planning skills.
Strong understanding of retail metrics including sales, margin, stock turn, sell-through, and inventory productivity.
Advanced Excel capability and experience with retail planning systems.
Ability to translate complex data into actionable commercial insights.
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.