We have a vacancy for a Senior Planner to join a leading Brand based in Melbourne Australia. The role covers Womenswear Accessories so previous experience in this area would be preferable but not absolutely essential
The Senior Planner is responsible for maximising business profits through effective management of merchandise from conception to sale. As a senior member of the Planning team support, coach and mentor team members to achieve departmental goals.
1. Financial Accountability – Trading the Department to Maximise Profit
2. Planning a Strategic Framework
3. Team Management and Development
4. Range Management
5. Stock Optimisation – Supply and Store
Financial Accountability including:
Achievement of the financial parameters and targets across appropriate categories and generating a sizeable sales performance for the business.
Respond to sales and external market activity to maximise sale opportunities and minimise potential risks.
Maximise profit and minimise risk through stock management and realistic sales and profit forecasts with regular review and appropriate action.
Monitor and review product balances, proactively question future orders placed where sales patterns vary to the original framework, ensuring the trend investment and delivery will maximise sales and profit.
Review and monitor range plans regularly with Buyer.
Initiate change to the planning processes/systems to ensure effective ways of working that improve profit performance.
Manage the in-season open to buy at department/category/season level using the WSSI and ensure that the budgeted or re-plan stock levels are being met.
Drive margin management through the effective control of markdowns and promotional activity in line with departmental budgets and summarizing overall impact to business.
Planning a strategic framework including:
In conjunction with Buyer & Planning Manager, propose category budgets, in line with strategic review,
Post business planning sign off, produce a commercial and balanced range planning framework, which reflects departmental strategy and agreed KPI’s
Summarise overall business product balance as directed by GM Planning.
Incorporate space planning and relevant departmental store budget proposals into the planning process to meet store and climatic requirements.
Work with the Buyer to regularly assess impact to the forward planning framework based on current market and key fashion trend direction.
End of month/post season, work with the Buyer to identify opportunities, based on lessons learnt, to optimise the departmental strategy and provide analytics to support correct planning direction.
Ensure Production Managers are updated monthly on production space requirements per department.
Team management and Development including:
Manage team performance through effective people management to drive efficiency and profitability.
Provide regular ongoing feedback in addition to probationary and annual performance reviews.
Provide clear communication, guidance and coaching when required to all team members in order that the team and personal achievements are met.
Translate the Client’s vision into clear goals and objectives for direct reports and teams.
Consistently strive to improve upon and build mutually effective relationships with key stakeholders.
Pre-empt the need for and manage change, leading teams through the process.
Develop the skills of the team by identifying individual training needs by motivating and encouraging effective teamwork.
Develop individuals to secure succession planning initiatives enabling Trainee & Junior Planners to succeed into future management positions.
Range Management
With the Buyer and Designer, construct a well-balanced range framework which offers the right mix of category
High level financials and range framework must be presented at the beginning of order sign off and summarised at the completion.
Participate in concept and sign off process, management of open to buy, margin and flexibility within season.
Monitor and ensure a clear and sensible price architecture which drives maximum sales and profit for the business.
Rate of sales to be reviewed and monitored to ensure depth and width is applied to range build process.
Monitor and analyse current size performance and understand category/product type history to maximise product sell through.
Working closely with Buyer and Buying and Design Manager to ensure categories deliver innovation, speed to market and calculated risks in new trends.
Stock Optimisation including:
Optimize store performance by working with your Planning and Allocation Analyst to ensure stock is allocated to store based on philosophy of right store, right stock, right time.
Oversee the stock build of new stores in a manner that maximises store potential.
Obtain feedback from store teams with respect to product and store performance.
Setting of new store product plans based on financial targets and store demographics in line with new store best practice.
Manage Allocation Analyst to ensure optimum stock levels by state/store to match the needs of the customer demographic enabling maximum profits and product sell through.
Visit the warehouse on a regular basis to monitor stock levels and minimise sale/clearance holdings.
Assign release week when a product has started production. § Liaise with Supply Chain to ensure all stock is picked and allocated to store in line with the critical path and release schedules.
Manage Allocation Analyst to ensure optimum stock levels by state/store to match the needs of the customer demographic enabling maximum profits and product sell through.
Regular in-season reviews of profit return versus space invested and LFL sales performance to optimise store current and forecasted performance by category.
Complete regular store visits, in conjunction with the Business Manager, effecting any actions store/state or product wide.
Manage key events and items to ensure deliveries and deadlines are met, e.g., window launches, promotions and editorial.
Liaising with Business Managers regarding stock levels and high-level store queries
Skills required
Relevant retail experience in a Planning role within the fashion industry is essential for this position
Strong financial and commercial business acumen
Proven track record of effective stock management in a fashion business
Ability to coach, develop and lead a team
Strong analytical skills
Effective negotiation and influencing skills
Effective planning and organisational skills
Ability to work under pressure, working to tight deadlines
Knowledge of the High Street competitors and able to form educate opinions to effect commercial decisions
Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team
Confident and engaging communicator with the ability to deliver presentations and influence key stake holders
Strong Computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel)