About the job

With operations in over 9 countries, we’re on an incredible growth journey at MAAP, expanding our global presence and distribution channels.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping our product and planning strategies, and ensuring we hit our financial KPIs. Working closely with our Head of Planning, you'll be instrumental in instilling best practices and fostering an environment of innovation and learning.

THE ROLE:

As our Merchandise Planner, you'll be at the heart of our planning operations, driving sales and profit while optimising inventory. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with Product Managers to build seasonal option plans that align with product strategy and achieve sales, profit, and inventory targets.
• Financial Management: Work with the Head of Planning to develop product category budgets that deliver financial objectives.
• Forecasting & Analysis: Plan and re-forecast key volume lines, conducting seasonal reviews and delivering accurate monthly sales re-forecasts with a clear view of trends, margins, and forward purchases.
• Dynamic Trading: Proactively identify risks and opportunities, providing recommendations through weekly, monthly, and seasonal department trading.
• Inventory Optimisation: Identify seasonal markdowns and apply appropriate discounting to manage inventory effectively while maintaining profit.
• Pricing & Margin Strategy: Define and review pricing and margin strategies with the Product Manager to achieve profit targets.
• Supply Chain Collaboration: Work closely with the Production Manager to ensure critical path dates are maintained and fabric liability is minimised.
• Process Improvement: Optimise workflows and support the development of improved reporting and systems to ensure scalability for future growth.
• Leadership Support: Provide essential support to the business in the absence of the Head of Planning.

THE CANDIDATE:

You're a highly organised, analytical, adaptable and experienced Merchandise Planner, having worked ideally within a multi-channel fashion retail environment. You're known for your:

• Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of merchandise planning, open-to-buy (OTB) management, and return on investment (ROI) principles.
• Analytical Prowess: Strong financial, numerical, and analytical skills with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent ability to identify and resolve issues, making sound decisions.
• Resilience & Adaptability: A flexible mindset, able to navigate and respond effectively to changing market conditions.
• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a genuine desire to collaborate across teams.
• Technical Skills: Advanced Excel skills are a must.
• Qualifications: A tertiary qualification (commerce, business, or retail-related) or equivalent work experience.
• Leadership Potential: Previous people management experience is a plus.

Join MAAP and help us build scalable, foundational processes for our future!