Merchandise Planning Manager

Burson; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts across Bapcor products

Novated leasing

Work-life balance policies

Job summary

Bapcor is seeking a Merchandise Planning Manager in Melbourne to lead strategic merchandise planning across Burson and Precision sites, partnering with Supply Chain to optimise inventory and profitability.

You will mentor and develop the team, drive capability uplift, and shape how planning supports commercial outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in merchandise planning and demand forecasting.
• Strong analytical skills with large datasets.
• Experience in forecasting, inventory optimization and planning methodologies.
• Proficient with ERP and forecasting/optimisation tools.
• Ability to partner across Merchandise, Supply Chain, Finance and Operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of merchandise planning and demand forecasting.
• Build and maintain forecasting models using sales data and market insights.
• Align forecasts, inventory and promotional activity with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure optimal inventory levels balancing availability and working capital.
• Identify and resolve supply/demand gaps and drive improved outcomes.
• Establish a Trade Demand Planning capability with governance and KPIs.
• Provide reporting on forecast accuracy, inventory performance, and trends.
• Translate data into actionable insights for commercial decisions.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Demand forecasting

Inventory management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/commerce

Tools

ERP systems

Forecasting tools

Advanced Excel

Job description

BapcorLtdisthe leading automotive aftermarket provider of accessories,equipmentand service.We host one of the widest ranges of car partsin the world,with brands includingBurson, Autobarn, Midas, Truckline, and Premier Auto.

We’re more than just automotive - we’re a dynamic, purpose-led organisation powered by people. Our Melbourne-based corporate team plays a critical role in shaping the strategy and success of theBapcorGroup.

Injoining our team,you'llbe welcomed into asupportivebusinessthatspans more than1,000 locations with over 5,000 team members across Australia,New Zealandand Thailand. We arepassionate about ourteam, with safety and inclusivity at the forefront of everything we do.We'realso passionate about ourcustomers, products, andlivingour values of:

• Doing the right thing
• Beingin ittogether
• Giving adamn
• Gettingitdone

Job Description

We are embarking on a significant transformation across our Merchandiseteamand are expanding our team as we invest for growth.

This is a unique opportunity to joinBapcorat a pivotal time - to help build a high-performing team, influence how weoperate, and deliver meaningful commercial outcomes.

About the role

The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for leading the development and execution of strategic merchandise planning across Burson and Precision sites, working in close partnership with Supply Chain to optimise inventory management. The role leverages sales data and market insights to inform purchasing decisions, maintain appropriate stock levels, and drive overall profitability.

In addition to strategic planning, this position plays a key role in team leadership, supporting performance and growth through mentoring, coaching, and capability development.

What you'll do

• Lead the development and execution of merchandise planning and demand forecasting across Trade
• Build and maintain forecasting models using sales data, market insights and statistical methods
• Partner with Merchandise, Marketing and Supply Chain teams to align forecasts, inventory and promotional activity
• Ensure optimal inventory levels, balancing availability, working capital and risk (under/overstocking)
• Identify and resolve supply and demand gaps, driving improved planning outcomes
• Establish and embed a Trade Demand Planning capability, including governance and KPI tracking
• Provide clear reporting and insights on forecast accuracy, inventory performance and trends
• Translate data into actionable insights to support commercial decision-making
• Maintain high standards of inventory data quality and drive continuous improvement in processes and systems
• Contribute to system enhancements and capability uplift across planning and inventory tool

Qualifications

• Significant experience in merchandise planning, demand planning, inventory management or supply chain analytics
• Strong commercial and analytical capability, with experience working with large, complex datasets
• Proven experience in forecasting, inventory optimisation and planning methodologies
• Advanced systems capability across ERP and forecasting/optimisation tools
• Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally across Merchandise, Supply Chain, Finance and Operations
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence outcomes
• Ability to translate data into insights that drive business performance
• Experience in retail, B2B or trade environments (automotive highly regarded)
• A continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Additional Information

At Bapcor, we focus on what matters most for our customers, team members and the communities we serve. We go the extra mile to get the job done and always live our values.

In joining our team, you can access:

• Diverse career opportunities within the Bapcor Group
• Discounts across Bapcor products and services, including our Retail and Trade brands
• Industry leading policies to support your work/ life balance (gender neutral parental leave, purchase leave, volunteer leave etc...)
• Paid birthday leave
• Novated leasing and more

We pride ourselves on our inclusive work environment, and encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures, gender identity, abilities and backgrounds, providing a recruitment experience that's fair, free from bias and accessible. If you need to inquire about reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email [e-mail]

While we understand that recruitment agencies would love to offer their support, we kindly request all agencies to refrain from contacting usregardingthis job posting. All applications should besubmitteddirectly by candidates.

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