Planning Assistant

Merchant 1948; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free shoes

Brand discounts

Hybrid working model

Office events

EAP access

Central location with parking

Transit access

Referral bonuses

Brand history

Job summary

Merchant 1948 is seeking a Planning Assistant to support the Planning and Merchandise team across NZ and AU stores and distribution centres, ensuring stock is in the right place at the right time.

You will analyse daily sales, publish key trade reports, and provide insights to guide commercial decisions while maintaining planning trackers. This role suits someone with planning or retail experience, strong Excel skills, and a collaborative, proactive mindset.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning, merchandise or retail environments.
• Strong analytical skills with data and reports experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation abilities.
• Clear, confident communication and collaboration across teams.
• Proactive, solutions-focused and adaptable.
• Willingness to learn and improve processes.
• Proficient with Excel and relevant systems.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and allocation of stock across NZ and AU stores and DCs.
• Complete stock allocations, transfers and recalls per guidelines.
• Respond to stock queries with timely updates and solutions.
• Monitor daily sales and product performance for trends.
• Analyse and publish key trade reports to support decisions.
• Maintain planning trackers and optimise stock levels.
• Support lifecycle management, pricing and product ordering.
• Produce ad-hoc reporting to assist the Planning team.

Skills

Planning experience

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organisation

Communication

Collaboration

Proactivity

Learning mindset

Excel skills

Tools

Retail systems

Excel

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

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!