Senior Merchandise Planner Opportunities

You'll be joining a planning function being intentionally redesigned to strengthen capability, improve decision-making and create clearer career pathways. This is a role for someone who thinks commercially, leads through influence and enjoys turning data, insights and strategy into measurable business results. As a Senior Merchandise Planner, you'll lead a significant merchandise portfolio and play a critical role in driving commercial performance across some of New Zealand's largest retail categories. You'll own the long-term planning strategy for your area, balancing customer demand, inventory investment, profitability and risk. Working alongside Buying, Supply Chain, Finance and senior commercial leaders, you'll translate strategy into clear actions that deliver sustainable growth. You'll also play an important leadership role within the planning team, coaching and developing Associate Merchandise Planners while helping create a high-performing planning culture.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category and seasonal planning strategies; Own sales, margin, inventory and profitability outcomes across your portfolio; Build robust forecasts and stock investment plans that support commercial objectives; Balance customer demand, inventory availability and working capital requirements; Identify key risks and opportunities and proactively shape trading outcomes; Lead weekly, monthly and seasonal performance reviews; Turn complex analysis into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders; Influence strategic decisions across ranging, promotions and inventory investment; Partner closely with Buying teams to deliver category growth strategies; Collaborate with Supply Chain, Allocation, Stores and Finance; Build strong stakeholder relationships that enable informed, commercial decision making; Coach and support Associate Merchandise Planners; Contribute to capability development across the Planning function; Foster a culture of accountability, curiosity and continuous improvement

Requirements

Extensive merchandise planning experience within a retail environment; Strong forecasting, inventory and commercial planning capability; Advanced analytical and financial acumen; Experience influencing senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams; Strong coaching and people development capability; A strategic mindset balanced with a hands-on approach to trade; A passion for developing talent and building team capability

Benefits

Discounts across our brands; Birthday leave and charity day off; 26 weeks paid parental leave; Free parking and EV charging at North Shore support office; 1 day (Friday) work from home; Onsite gym and café at Northcote support office; A range of wellbeing support and development opportunities