Merchandise Planner

David Jones; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

David Jones is seeking a commercially astute Merchandise Planner to own the merchandise and financial planning strategy for assigned categories. You will partner with Buying and teams across the business to shape seasonal plans, respond to in-season performance, and make evidence-based recommendations to improve sales, margin, availability and inventory productivity.

This is an opportunity to influence meaningful commercial decisions, challenge the status quo and help strengthen planning

Qualifications

• This role requires 5+ years in merchandise planning within high-volume or multi-channel retail.
• Ownership of a category or significant financial plan is expected.
• Proficiency with WSSI/MSSI, Open-to-Buy, budgeting and forecasting needed.
• Ability to turn complex data into clear, timely recommendations.
• Advanced Excel and ERP software experience required.

Responsibilities

• Own category budgets, seasonal plans, forecasts, intake, Open-to-Buy and closing stock positions.
• Develop plans in partnership with Buying across category, brand, channel and price-point.
• Lead WSSI/MSSI forecasting and reforecasting across sales, margin, receipts and inventory.
• Analyse performance to identify risks and opportunities and act on them.
• Present trading updates and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Coach planning and stock flow colleagues to build capability.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Power BI

Commercial judgment

Stakeholder influence

Analytical thinking

Presentation skills

Mentoring/Coaching

Education

Business, Finance, Commerce, Fashion or related discipline

Tools

Power BI

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

David Jones exists to inspire like no other, and our Merchandise Planning team plays a critical role in delivering the products our customers want, in the right place and at the right time.

We are looking for a commercially astute Merchandise Planner to own the merchandise and financial planning strategy for assigned categories. Partnering closely with Buying and teams across the business, you will shape seasonal plans, respond to in-season performance and make evidence-based recommendations that improve sales, margin, availability and inventory productivity.

This is an opportunity to influence meaningful commercial decisions, challenge the status quo and help strengthen planning capability across an iconic Australian retail business.

What you’ll do

• Own category budgets, seasonal plans, forecasts, intake, Open-to-Buy and closing stock positions
• Develop category, brand, channel, price-point, option and size plans in partnership with Buying
• Lead WSSI and MSSI forecasting and reforecasting across sales, margin, markdowns, receipts and inventory
• Analyse customer, product and trading performance to identify emerging risks and opportunities
• Recommend and execute in-season actions across promotions, markdowns, replenishment, cancellations, stock transfers and rephasing
• Improve inventory productivity through effective management of stock cover, stockturn, aged inventory, availability and GMROI
• Partner with Stock Flow, Supply Chain, Digital and stores to optimise allocation and replenishment across locations and channels
• Lead range reviews and post-season analysis, turning insights into recommendations for future ranges, pricing, depth and promotional activity
• Present clear trading updates, forecasts and commercial recommendations to senior stakeholders
• Coach and support planning and stock flow team members, helping build forecasting, analytical and commercial capability
• Contribute to improvements in planning processes, reporting, data quality and ways of working

What you’ll bring

• Approximately five or more years of merchandise planning experience within high-volume or multi-channel retail
• Demonstrated ownership of a category or significant financial plan
• Strong capability across WSSI or MSSI, Open-to-Buy, budgeting, forecasting, intake, inventory optimisation and in-season trading
• Commercial judgement and the ability to turn complex data into clear, timely recommendations
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups and the analysis of large data sets
• Experience using merchandise planning and ERP systems
• Confidence presenting to, influencing and constructively challenging senior stakeholders
• Experience coaching or mentoring planners, analysts or allocation team members
• The organisation and resilience to balance strategic planning with fast-moving trading priorities
• Experience with Power BI, SAP or comparable platforms will be highly regarded
• A qualification in Business, Finance, Commerce, Fashion or a related discipline is desirable, although equivalent relevant experience is equally valued

Why David Jones?

At David Jones, you will be empowered to use your expertise, challenge traditional thinking and make decisions that improve both customer and commercial outcomes.

You will join a collaborative and inclusive environment where curiosity is encouraged, different perspectives are valued and our people are trusted to take ownership. Together, we are creating innovative ways to serve our customers while contributing to the ongoing success and legacy of David Jones.

If you are an experienced Merchandise Planner who combines strong analytical capability with commercial curiosity and confident stakeholder influence, we would love to hear from you.