Merchandise Planner - Girls 1-8 (Apparel)

Target Australia Pty Ltd

Who are We?

At Target, we're getting back to what we're famous for - real quality, that's really affordable. We're making products that stand up to the test of everyday life, at prices that don't cost the earth.
We're making mums happy. Kids smile. Family life, that little bit easier. We're making sure every Australian can enjoy our products, whilst making a positive difference to our planet so families can trust and rely on us for generations to come. That's the Target Australians needs right now. And that's the Target we're here to be.

With our instantly recognisable logo we are one of the most iconic brands on the Australian retail market and for almost 100 years we have held a special place in the hearts and minds of Australian families.. It brings us loyal customers who love and trust us. From first baby clothes to first fashion moments, we have created special memories that families across the country hold dear. By making affordable quality and style accessible for all, we have built a reputation for helping Australian families live better.

As an iconic Australian retailer we're immensely proud of our history and need people to join us who are as excited by our future as we are!

That's who we are. That's Target.

As the Merchandise Planner - Girlswear, you are responsible for maximising sales and profit through the effective management of the department range architecture and product assortment and ensuring that the commercial plan is executed to deliver the department strategy. Accountable for inventory health and balancing customer facing availability with stock productivity you are responsible for maximising sales and profit through the effective management of the department range architecture and product assortment and ensuring that the commercial plan is executed to deliver the department strategy. Accountable for inventory health and balancing customer facing availability with stock productivity.

You will work collaboratively with key stakeholders to develop strategies and processes to drive sales and profitability in line with Target's values. This is a pivotal role where you can make an impact across our stores and the wider merchandise team through superior planning skills of our inventory.

Other responsibilities will include:

Category Partnership Management
• Management of supplier range plans to ensure alignment to the Target strategy.
• Support the Category Buyer to develop the category strategy by developing & managing the category budget and forecast.
• Leverage supplier regarding range management / range architecture / product life cycle.

Range Architecture and category management
• Maximising sales and profit
• Accountable for Open to Buy (OTB), inventory control and markdown management.
• Accountable for the forecast, Merchandise financial plan and delivering the KPI's in the financial pack
• Build & plan product assortment (item, colour, size) for each category to deliver financial plan

Stock optimisation
• Management of forecast and inventory
• Accountable for allocation strategies, incorporating the merchandise plan and flow strategy to meet store inventory needs providing guidance to inventory controller and Demand Planner
• Build and execute the sales, gross margin and inventory plan, at a weekly/monthly/season level, within Merch planning tool.
• Proactively manage markdown strategy to optimize inventory, sales and profitability.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate at least 7+ years of planning experience in a specialty retail environment with a tertiary qualification in Finance, Operations or Business would be an advantage. Good working experience in leading a small to medium sized team is essential as is ability to plan, implement and lead a merchandise strategy along with demonstrated experience working cross-functionally to achieve objectives , and ability to trade in a business that is reacting quickly to market pressures.

We're looking for a commercially savvy individual who will bring a curious and data-driven mind-set as well as a passion for all things Retail! You love focusing on product, customers are always front of mind and building and managing relationships with a variety of key stakeholders is one of your strengths. We'd also love you to have:

• Strong commercial acumen and numerical skills, high levels of attention to detail.
• Ability to observe, interpret and act upon trends in customer behaviour
• Highly inquisitive, self-driven with strong organisation skills.
• Quantification of individual products over time.
• Ability to articulate observations, reasons for actions taken and high levels of persuasiveness.
• Proficient with business intelligence tools, Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to complete accurate product plans, replans, prepare financial budgets and department performance analysis
• Ability to optimise stock turn through sales forecasting, stock flow and product planning expertise
• Capability across Merchandise Systems
• Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Business, Commerce or Retail related degree
• Planning experience across a variety of categories is advantageous and planning experience within Babywear is preferred but not essential

• Great career opportunities across the Wesfarmers Group.
• Team Member discounts across Target, Kmart, Bunnings, Officeworks and Catch Membership.
• A free One Pass membership offering free delivery across Kmart, Target & Catch on eligible product.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient location next to freeway and train station, with free onsite parking and a café!
• Novated leasing options.
• Paid parental leave scheme.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements through our Flex Where, Flex When, Flex Well policy, spending 60% of your week in our Target Store Support Office (including Work-From-Home days with a real work-life) balance.
• Reflection room, space for prayer, meditation, or time for yourself.
• A Supported Learning and Career Development program.
• Opportunity in Wesfarmers Share Plan access (where eligible) and to participate in a bonus program (where eligible).

We believe that all team members should feel valued, respected and safe irrespective of your gender, ethnicity, indigeneity, religious beliefs, education, age, disability, family responsibilities, sexual orientation and gender identity and we encourage applications from all candidates.

As part of our recruitment process, we will be conducting Pre-Employment Checks with our successful candidates - this will include a police check. Talent Acquisition will provide further updates to candidates as they progress through our recruitment process.

Candidates interested in this position should apply directly to this advertisement as we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies.
"We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer - we commit to respond to every applicant".

If you would like to explore a career with Target and this sounds like the perfect role for you - apply now!