Merchandise Planner

J Ballantyne & Co Ltd; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballantynes in Canterbury is seeking an entry-level Merchandise Planner to join our Planning team. You will help ensure stock is right, in the right place, at the right time, while supporting replenishment, seasonal planning, forecasting and promotions.

Working with Buyers, Suppliers, Logistics and stores, you will analyze sales, stock and margins, prepare seasonal reviews and contribute to merchandise planning projects.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with a high attention to detail.
• Competent with Microsoft suite especially Excel, and Power BI skills would be an advantage.
• Experience working with sales, stock or financial reporting.
• Advanced planning, organisation and prioritisation abilities.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across teams and with external suppliers.
• Confidence working with data to make recommendations and support business decisions.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manage core replenishment programmes within agreed Open to Buy budgets.
• Analyse sales, stock, margin and supplier performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Forecast sales and gross profit performance and provide regular reporting and insights.
• Support Buyers with seasonal planning, forward buy plans and range reviews.
• Ensure promotional and peak trading periods are effectively planned and supported.
• Identify opportunities for stock transfers, markdowns and inventory optimisation across branches.
• Monitor outstanding orders and stock availability to minimise lost sales.
• Prepare seasonal reviews and contribute to merchandise planning processes and projects.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Planning and prioritisation

Commercial mindset

Communication skills

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Company Description

Well known for being the place to go for leading brands and labels, Ballantynes has a long association in the Canterbury region as a retailer of quality products and exceptional service.

At Ballantynes we are all about delivering exceptional customer service. Our people are essential to our goal of providing a warm and welcoming environment for customers and staff.

Job Description

We're looking for a commercially minded entry-level Merchandise Planner to join our Planning team. This role plays a key part in ensuring we have the right stock, in the right place, at the right time, while maximising sales, stock turn, and gross profit across allocated departments.

Working closely with Buyers, Suppliers, Logistics, Finance, and store teams, you'll use data and insights to support replenishment programmes, seasonal planning, forecasting, and promotional activity while helping deliver exceptional results for our customers.

What You'll Be Responsible For

In this role, you will:

• Manage core replenishment programmes within agreed Open to Buy budgets.
• Analyse sales, stock, margin and supplier performance to identify opportunities and risks.
• Forecast sales and gross profit performance and provide regular reporting and insights.
• Support Buyers with seasonal planning, forward buy plans and range reviews.
• Ensure promotional and peak trading periods are effectively planned and supported.
• Identify opportunities for stock transfers, markdowns and inventory optimisation across branches.
• Monitor outstanding orders and stock availability to minimise lost sales.
• Prepare seasonal reviews and contribute to merchandise planning processes and projects.

What We're Looking For

You’ll be someone who enjoys combining analytical thinking with commercial decision-making and relationship building. Ideally, you’ll bring:

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with a high attention to detail.
• Competent with Microsoft suite especially Excel, and Power BI skills would be an advantage.
• Experience working with sales, stock or financial reporting.
• Advanced planning, organisation and prioritisation abilities.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• The ability to build effective working relationships across teams and with external suppliers.
• Confidence working with data to make recommendations and support business decisions.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Additional Information

This is an exciting entry level opportunity to be part of a passionate Planning team and make a direct impact on our commercial success.

This is a full-time, 40-hour position working Monday to Friday.

Applications close 20th September 2026.

Please note, we will be interviewing candidates during the application period so the role may close earlier than the end date.

Applicants must have current eligibility to work in New Zealand.