Merchandise Planner (FMCG)

Merchandise Planner (FMCG)

• Join our dynamic team as a Merchandise Planner and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our retail success through insightful forecasting and strategic planning.
• Dive into the world of retail analytics and contribute to our success by leveraging your analytical prowess to optimise inventory, drive sales, and ensure our shelves are stocked with the hottest products at the right time.
• Be part of a thriving travel retail environment where your keen merchandising insights will not only impact our bottom line but also enhance the shopping experience for our travelling customers. 

About WHSmith Australia

WHSmith is a historic British retailer focusing on news, books and convenience, and we are proud to bring our expertise to our Australian operations. Our stores are located in some of the busiest and most exciting airports in the country, providing a dynamic and fast-paced work environment that is perfect for driven individuals who thrive on a challenge.

About the Position

Reporting directly to the Head of Planning and Inventory, the Merchandise Planner will be responsible for delivering stock budget/stock efficiency improvements and optimise quality of stock, whilst improving in store availability and driving sales. This role will develop stock and ranging processes in conjunction with the Commercial and Trade teams.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Set and deliver cost, quality and availability of stock targets.
• Deliver KPIs through leadership, coaching and challenge of direct reports and key business interfaces. 
• Establish monthly budgets and replans (in consultation with Trade) for sales, stock, stock turns, margins, purchases, and gross profit.
• Drive assortment optimisation through effective space and range management.
• Provide financial analysis (what-if analysis), support and advice to the buyers on merchandise ranging, budgeting, and forecasting activities, to ensure financial targets are met.
• Manage problem stock and ensure exit strategies are identified and implemented.
• Ensure stock spend is controlled within agreed targets.
• Lead effective delivery of range changes and control ranges within agreed parameters.
• Create and develop stock management processes.
• Establish processes for seasonal sales forecasting and range cascade documentation.
• Plan and execute seasonal and promotional stock pushes and manage exit from the same.

Candidate Profile:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a planner role, including FMCG.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  
• Proven experience developing effective processes. 
• Experience in a Retail environment. 
• Advanced Excel skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and developing people.
• Initiative and Drive.
• Ability to use data and person impact to influence and negotiation.
• Experience in Space Management advantageous.