Merchandise Planner - Childrens Apparel

Who are we?

We are one of Australia’s most-loved retail brands and a dedicated team of over 12,000 people. For almost 100 years we have held a special place in the hearts and minds of Australian families.
We are unstoppable in our drive to digitally transform Target to delight our customers every day through a multi- channel shopping experience.
There’s never been a more exciting time to join our team.

We are an iconic Australian brand
With our instantly recognisable logo, we are one of the most iconic brands on the Australian retail market. 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.

We are a great place to work and grow
We are a close-knit team led by passionate and supportive leaders who are committed to helping you be your best. You’ll be challenged and inspired in equal measure as we continue to transform our business.

We are also excited to announce that we will be moving to an amazing new office building at One Middle Rd -Chadstone the heart of Fashion retail in 2025!

That’s who we are. That’s Target.

What will you do?

With the ongoing growth within Target we are looking for a passionate Merchandise Planner with Childrenswear Apparel experience to join a fun & supportive team within a fast-paced & dynamic environment to drive our strategy & play a key part in the growth of our Apparel functions.

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:
 
Merchandise KPI’s/Strategic Direction for Assigned Category 
•    Working with BM/PM/DMM to set strategic direction for category and communicate/implement with team.
•    Implement departmental strategy with team to develop plan that achieves sales, profit and inventory targets.
•    Financial Management – Managing categories on an ongoing basis ensuring merchandise financial plan remains within business expectations and KPIs.
 
Manage/Trade a Dept in Planner Role
•    Ensure key deliverable KPI’s such as Sales, Profit, OTB and inventory are managed within agreed parameters.
•    Work with Buyer to ensure product strategy is in line with strategic objectives.
•    Strong experience in price architecture and product assortment ranging in a large volume retailer.

Category Partnership Management 
•    Management of supplier range plans to ensure alignment to the Target strategy.
•    Support the Buyer to develop the category strategy by developing & managing the category budget and forecast.
•    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.

What are we looking for?

The ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate at least 5+ years of planning experience in a large scale big box 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. 
 
To be successful in this role you will have experience as follows:
 
•    Strong commercial acumen and numerical skills, high levels of attention to detail. Advanced Planning Skills – Forecasting, OTB management, Financial Skills and Strategic thinking.    
•    Ability to observe, interpret and act upon trends in customer behaviour.
•    Highly inquisitive, self-driven with strong organisation skills in a fast paced retail environment.
•    Quantification of individual products over time. 
•    Strong in range architecture and product assortment experience.
•    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
•    Proficiency in use of merchandise planning software such as enterprise planning (Blue yonder)/JDA, SAP, Oracle etc.
•    Tertiary qualifications in Finance, Business, Commerce or Retail related degree
•    Planning experience across a variety of apparel categories is advantageous
 

What will you get?

Target has some great benefits, including:

•  Great career opportunities across the Wesfarmers Group
•  Team Member discounts across Target, Kmart, Bunnings and Officeworks.
•  A free One Pass membership offering free delivery across Kmart and Target 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.
 
If you would like to explore a career with Target and this sounds like the perfect role for you – apply now!

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