Lead Footwear Merchandise Planner – Stock & Growth

Accent Group Limited; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Accent Group Limited is seeking a Merchandise Planner for a fixed-term 12-month parental leave contract in Melbourne, Australia. This role partners with Buyers to shape the merchandise strategy, optimise stock investment and drive sales and gross profit across Australia and New Zealand.

You will build and manage financial plans, lead replans, and monitor performance to ensure the right product mix, sizes, and availability meet customer demand.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in Merchandise Planning, ideally within footwear, fashion or high-volume retail.
• Experience leading and developing a planning team.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a solid understanding of stock investment, margin and inventory management.
• Experience with MFPs, WSSIs, OTB, forecasting and merchandise reporting.
• An analytical mindset, with the ability to turn trading data into clear commercial actions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective partnerships with Buyers and key stakeholders.
• A relevant degree is preferred but not essential.
• A proactive approach, strong attention to detail and a Make It Happen attitude

Responsibilities

• Build and manage Merchandise Financial Plans (MFPs) and WSSIs.
• Partner with Buyers on range planning, option plans and OTB.
• Analyse performance across core styles and launches to identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage stock levels, sell-through, markdowns and aged inventory to maximise profitability.
• Lead monthly replans using current trading performance to refine forecasts.
• Track performance against budget, plan and prior year, providing recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to improve product distribution across stores and channels.
• Monitor product flow to ensure key styles and sizes are available where demand is strongest.
• Lead and develop a planning team, building capability and driving strong commercial outcomes.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Strong communication

Leadership experience

Proactive attitude

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Tools

MFPs

WSSIs

OTB

Forecasting

Merchandise reporting

Job description

Accent Group Limited is seeking a Merchandise Planner for a fixed-term 12-month parental leave contract in Melbourne, Australia. This role partners with Buyers to shape the merchandise strategy, optimise stock investment and drive sales and gross profit across Australia and New Zealand.

You will build and manage financial plans, lead replans, and monitor performance to ensure the right product mix, sizes, and availability meet customer demand.