About the Company
Coles is one of Australia’s leading retailers, serving millions of customers every week. With a strong commitment to fresh food, sustainability, and community engagement, Coles offers a diverse range of products and services across its supermarkets, liquor stores, and Coles Express convenience stores. We are dedicated to providing quality food and great value, while also fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment for our team members.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly analytical and experienced Merchandise Planner to join our dynamic team in Mount Gambier. This pivotal role involves optimizing inventory levels, maximizing sales, and achieving profit targets for specific product categories. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing merchandise plans, forecasting demand, analyzing sales data, and collaborating closely with buying teams to ensure product availability and drive commercial success. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major Australian retailer and make a tangible impact on our business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive merchandise plans for assigned categories, aligning with company financial goals.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of sales performance, inventory levels, market trends, and customer buying patterns.
- Forecast future demand and propose optimal stock levels, ensuring product availability while minimizing overstock and out-of-stock situations.
- Collaborate with buying, marketing, and supply chain teams to optimize product assortment, promotions, and replenishment strategies.
- Monitor and manage inventory flow, including new product introductions, seasonal fluctuations, and end-of-life cycle planning.
- Prepare regular reports on sales, inventory turns, markdowns, and profitability, providing insights and recommendations to management.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute to the development of planning tools and systems.
- Manage supplier relationships regarding planning and forecasting activities.
Required Skills
- Minimum 3 years of experience in merchandise planning or a similar analytical role within the retail sector.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
- Proficiency in advanced Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis) and merchandise planning software.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Sound understanding of retail principles, inventory management, and supply chain processes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Commerce, Retail Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
- Experience with SAP, Oracle, or other major ERP/planning systems.
- Proven track record of improving sales performance and inventory efficiency.
- Familiarity with the Australian retail market and consumer behavior.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Generous staff discount across Coles Supermarkets and associated brands.
- Access to career development programs and opportunities for advancement.
- Health and wellbeing initiatives, including employee assistance programs.
- Supportive team environment and a culture that values collaboration and innovation.
- Paid parental leave options.
- Contribution to superannuation.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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