Planning Assistant

merchant1948; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A free pair of shoes every season

Generous discounts across all Overland

Central location with free parking

Hybrid working model

Referral bonuses

Regular office & team events

Supportive leadership

Access to EAP

Brand with real history

Job summary

Merchant 1948 in Auckland is seeking a Planning Assistant to support the Planning and Merchandise team to optimise stock, sales and profitability across NZ and AU. You’ll help ensure the right stock is in the right place at the right time, while providing accurate insights and day-to-day support to stores and the wider team.

In this role you’ll monitor product performance, analyse trade reports and assist with seasonal buying plans.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning, merchandise or retail environment.
• Strong analytical skills with confidence in data and reports.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Clear and confident communication, with cross-functional teamwork.
• Proactive and solutions-focused, with a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and allocation of stock across NZ and AU stores and distribution centres.
• Complete stock allocations, transfers and recalls in line with business strategy and guidelines.
• Respond to store and regional stock queries with timely updates and solutions.
• Monitor daily sales and product performance, identifying trends and opportunities.
• Analyse and publish key trade reports to support commercial decisions.
• Maintain MSLs and support stock levels to maximise sales and minimise stock movement errors.
• Complete size curves for indent and repeat orders and support repeat order processes.
• Assist with the development of seasonal buy plans and maintain planning trackers.
• Support lifecycle management, outlet pricing and care product ordering.
• Produce ad-hoc reporting and analysis to support the Planning team and wider business.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Proactive

Willingness to learn

Collaborative team player

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Tools

Excel

Job description

Who Are We?

We're a proud, family-owned New Zealand fashion retailer with over 40 stores across New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia. Our iconic brandsMerchant 1948, Mi Piaci, Deuce, and Goodsole are known for delivering exceptional experiences to both our customers and our team.

At the heart of what we do is our people. We offer supportive leadership and recognition for great performance, all within a team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

The Role

As a Planning Assistant, you’ll support the Planning and Merchandise team to optimise stock, sales and profitability across the business. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the right stock is in the right place at the right time, while providing accurate insights and day-to-day support to stores and the wider team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and allocation of stock across NZ and AU stores and distribution centres.
• Complete stock allocations, transfers and recalls in line with business strategy and guidelines.
• Respond to store and regional stock queries, providing timely updates and solutions.
• Monitor daily sales and product performance, identifying trends and opportunities.
• Analyse and publish key trade reports, providing insights to support commercial decisions.
• Maintain MSLs and support stock levels to maximise sales and minimise stock movement errors.
• Complete size curves for indent and repeat orders and support repeat order processes.
• Assist with the development of seasonal buy plans and maintain planning trackers.
• Support lifecycle management, outlet pricing and care product ordering.
• Produce ad‑hoc reporting and analysis to support the Planning team and wider business.

What you’ll bring

• Experience in a planning, merchandise or retail environment.
• Strong analytical skills with confidence working with data and reports.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Clear and confident communication skills
• A collaborative team player who enjoys working cross-functionally.
• Proactive and solutions-focused
• A willingness to learn, develop and continuously improve.
• Strong Excel and systems skills

What’s in it for you?

• A free pair of shoes every season
• Generous discounts across all Overland brands
• Central location with free parking and close proximity to public transport
• A hybrid working model to balance work and life
• Referral bonuses when you bring great people onboard
• Regular office & team events
• Supportive, down-to‑earth leadership
• Access to EAP for extra support
• A brand with real history - and exciting things ahead!