Merchandise Planner Opportunities

THE WAREHOUSE; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts across our brands

Birthday leave

26 weeks parental leave

Free parking

EV charging

WFH Fridays

Onsite gym

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The Warehouse Auckland is seeking a dedicated Merchandise Planner to own category performance, forecast demand, manage stock and optimise commercial outcomes. You will partner with Buyers and cross-functional teams to translate strategy into actionable plans and measurable results.

In this role you’ll turn data into insights, drive planning excellence, and contribute to the evolution of our Merchandise Planning function within a leading New Zealand retailer.

Qualifications

• Experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, forecasting or a similar commercial analytical role.
• Strong forecasting and inventory planning skills.
• Advanced Excel and analytical capability.
• Strong commercial judgement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Curiosity, resilience and a growth mindset.

Responsibilities

• Own category performance including sales, inventory and profitability plans.
• Build and manage forecasts, stock plans and open-to-buy budgets.
• Analyse trade performance and identify opportunities; provide recommendations.
• Collaborate with Buyers, Supply Chain, Allocation and Finance to influence planning through data insights.
• Deliver post-season analysis and planning recommendations.

Skills

Merchandise planning

Forecasting

Inventory planning

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Job description

Since 1982, The Warehouse has been helping Kiwi families through life's big and small moments.

Today, we're investing in the next chapter of our retail journey, transforming how we plan, trade and deliver great customer experiences across New Zealand.

We're investing in future planning talent across the organisation. As we continue building a modern Merchandise Planning function, we're looking for curious, commercially-minded Merchandise Planners ready to take ownership, influence decisions and grow their careers.

Job Description

As a Merchandise Planner, you'll own the commercial and inventory performance of your categories, partnering closely with Buyers and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver strong customer and business outcomes.

You'll take category strategy and turn it into detailed forecasts, stock plans and trading actions that maximise sales, margin and availability.

No two weeks will look the same! One day you'll be analysing trade performance and identifying opportunities. The next you'll help shape seasonal plans, review promotional performance or adjust forecasts in response to changing customer demand.

This is an opportunity to take real ownership and build a rewarding career in one of retail's key commercial disciplines.

Own category performance

• Deliver category sales, inventory and profitability plans
• Build and manage forecasts, stock plans and open-to-buy budgets
• Monitor trading performance and respond quickly to opportunities and risks
• Optimise inventory across the category lifecycle

Turn insights into action

• Analyse sales, stock and customer data and provide recommendations that improve commercial outcomes
• Support ranging, pricing and promotional decisions
• Deliver post-season analysis and planning recommendations

Partner across the business

• Work closely with Buyersto deliver category strategies
• Partner with Supply Chain, Allocation and Finance teams to influenceplanning decisions through data-driven insights

You’ll also play an active role in improving how we plan, challenge with better ways of working and support the continued evolution of our Merchandise Planning function.

Qualifications

You already have experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, forecasting or a similar commercial analytical role. You enjoy solving problems, finding opportunities in data and seeing the impact of your decisions on real business outcomes.

You'll bring:

• 2 - 5+ years merchandise planning or related commercial experience
• Strong forecasting and inventory planning skills
• Advanced Excel and analytical capability
• Strong commercial judgement
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Confidence working in a fast-paced retail environment
• Curiosity, resilience and a growth mindset

Additional Information

Be part of our retail transformation!

Join a team helping redefine planning excellence and the future of retail at The Warehouse Group. When you join The Warehouse Group,you'llenjoy a range of benefits that support your career, wellbeing, and lifestyleinc.:

• Discounts across our brands
• Birthday leave and charity day off
• 26 weeks paid parental leave
• Free parking, EV charging at our North Shore support office
• We value collaboration, connection & flexibility – with 1 day (Friday) WFH
• Onsite gym and café at our Northcote support office (great views of the Waitemata and a decent lunch menu!)
• A range of wellbeing support and development opportunities