Planning Optimisation Specialist

Metcash Trading Limited; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5th week annual leave

Well-being days

Volunteer day annually

Career growth opportunities

Parental leave (12 weeks)

Job summary

Metcash is seeking a permanent Planning Optimisation Specialist in Macquarie Park to shape smarter supply chain planning. You will improve forecasting, inventory performance, reporting, automation and decision support to translate complex data into practical recommendations.

You will work across planning insights and optimisation initiatives to strengthen planning effectiveness and supply chain outcomes, contributing to risk assessments and transformation programs.

Qualifications

• Experience in demand and supply planning, inventory management, and analytics.
• Strong knowledge of forecasting, inventory management and planning principles.
• Experience evaluating planning performance and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into decisions.

Responsibilities

• Define meaningful planning KPIs and reporting requirements.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of planning dashboards.
• Design and maintain AI agents, automation solutions and decision-support tools.
• Configure forecasting models and monitor forecast accuracy, bias and effectiveness.
• Analyse inventory performance and optimise service levels, safety stock and replenishment parameters.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier ordering patterns, delivery schedules and inbound efficiency.
• Contribute to supply chain risk assessments, scenario modelling and contingency playbooks.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations and support planning transformation initiatives.

Skills

Demand planning

Forecasting

Inventory management

Data analysis

Dashboards

AI/automation

Process optimisation

Communication

Tools

Planning systems

Data visualization

Job description

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At Metcash, you’re part of something bigger. We’ve got the heart of a small business with the strength and support of a big business.

When you join Metcash, your work makes a real difference to independent businesses and local communities, empowering you to:

• Grow your career with tailored development programs
• Thrive your way with flexible work options
• Make your mark in a high-performing, values-led team

At Metcash Food, we’re the power behind local business, proudly supplying over 1600 independently owned stores in every corner of Australia and New Zealand. With a range of trusted independent brands like IGA, Foodland and Campbells/C-Store, our stores sit at the heart of their communities, providing locals with the products and homegrown produce they love most.

About the Opportunity

Join our Food Supply Chain team in Macquarie Park as a permanent Planning Optimisation Specialist.

You will help shape smarter supply chain planning by improving forecasting, inventory performance, reporting, automation and decision support. Working across planning insights and optimisation initiatives, you will turn complex data into practical recommendations that strengthen planning effectiveness and supply chain outcomes.

In this Role

• Define meaningful planning KPIs and reporting requirements.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of planning dashboards.
• Design and maintain AI agents, automation solutions and decision-support tools.
• Configure forecasting models and monitor forecast accuracy, bias and effectiveness.
• Analyse inventory performance and optimise service levels, safety stock and replenishment parameters.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier ordering patterns, delivery schedules and inbound efficiency.
• Contribute to supply chain risk assessments, scenario modelling and contingency playbooks.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations and support planning transformation initiatives.

What are we looking for?

• Experience in demand and supply planning, inventory management, supply chain analytics or a related discipline.
• Sound knowledge of forecasting, inventory management and supply chain planning principles.
• Experience evaluating planning performance and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into clear decisions and recommendations.
• Experience working with forecasting models, inventory policies, replenishment settings or planning parameters.
• Experience creating reports, dashboards or business insights.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, curiosity and learning agility.
• Experience with planning systems and data-visualisation tools; exposure to automation, AI-driven insights or scenario modelling would be advantageous.

What’s on offer

We’re proud to offer a workplace that supports your well-being, growth, and belonging:

Extra Leave: Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave, 2 well-being days, plus 1 volunteer day annually

Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities

Parental Leave: 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid leave for primary carers

Mental Health: Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia

Flexibility: Flex Ready and Family Friendly Workplace accredited, Hybrid working arrangements available!

About Us

Join us and be part of something bigger!

Metcash is Australia’s leading wholesale distribution company, with $19.5 billion in sales (FY25) and a proud spot in the ASX Top 125.

We believe in the power of independent, family-owned businesses to shape vibrant communities. Through our food, liquor, and hardware pillars, we help retailers become the ‘Best Store in Their Town’ by providing merchandising, operational and marketing support.

We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability — and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including First Nations. If you need support during the application process, just let us know. Your privacy and dignity are always respected.