Planning Optimisation Specialist

Metcash Limited; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5th week leave

Well-being days

Volunteer day

Career growth

Parental leave

Mental health accreditation

Hybrid working

Job summary

Metcash Limited is seeking a permanent Planning Optimisation Specialist to join the Macquarie Park team. 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.

Qualifications

• Experience in demand and supply planning, inventory management, or analytics.
• Sound knowledge of forecasting, inventory management, and planning principles.
• Experience evaluating planning performance and identifying improvement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Define meaningful planning KPIs and reporting requirements.
• Support 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 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

Tools

Planning systems

Data visualization tools

Forecasting models

Job description

The Metcash story began from the humble origins of our first family-owned corner store in 1927. And for almost 100 years since then, we've been backing independents and strengthening the communities we operate in.

Today, Metcash (ASX: MTS) is Australia and New Zealand's leading independent retail partner and wholesaler in the food, liquor, hardware, and tools industries, with sales of $19.5 billion in FY25. We provide our network with marketing, purchasing, warehousing, distribution and systems support

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

• 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

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.

Join us and be part of something bigger!

Please note: This role is being managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team. We respectfully request that recruitment agencies do not submit profiles or make contact regarding this opportunity.