Merchandise Planning Manager

_{13th August, 2026}

We're on the search for a Merchandise Planning leader ready to influence the future of a fast-growing Womenswear brand — one built on effortless elegance, timeless style and a devoted following who return season after season for quality they can trust.

If you thrive on building capability through the planning process, shaping strategy and leading talented people while creating real commercial impact, this maybe worth your consideration.

This is a boutique-model retailer looking as always to invest in its people, its capability and its future. You'll join a collaborative, supportive leadership team that values curiosity, craftsmanship and continuous improvement. Expect autonomy, trust and the chance to make a difference — not just maintain what already exists.
This role calls for a deep understanding of the merchandise planning process across the apparel category, ideally within a brand where design integrity, fabrication and a considered, European-influenced aesthetic sit at the heart of every range.

What You'll Do

• Lead, inspire and elevate a talented Planning team — building capability, clarity and confidence
• Own the full merchandise planning story across the business — sales, margin, OTB, inventory, markdown and trading performance
• Create forward-looking seasonal and annual plans while staying agile and responsive to performance and opportunity
• Shape and refine assortment strategies that genuinely reflect customer demand and brand direction — honouring a signature style while evolving with the customer
• Drive in-season results through sharp insights, smart trading decisions and confident re-forecasting
• Champion inventory excellence across all channels — ensuring availability, healthy stock flow and responsible clearance
• Work hand-in-hand with Retail, Digital, Buying, Design and Supply teams to bring powerful commercial strategies to life
• Lead exciting business initiatives across systems, processes and planning transformation as the brand continues to scale

Who We're Looking For

• A seasoned Planning leader in retail merchandise planning, with an apparel background — either a Planning Manager or a Senior Planner ready to step up into this role
• A people leader who develops teams, creates engagement and builds high-performance cultures
• Commercially sharp with a proven record of delivering sales growth, stronger margins and smarter stock outcomes
• Deeply analytical with advanced system capability — but equally strong in turning insight into action
• A natural collaborator, influencer and communicator who thrives partnering cross-functionally
• Energised by change, growth and pace — with experience leading teams through transformation and evolution
• An appreciation for considered design, quality fabrication and timeless, wearable style would sit well with this brand's DNA

This is an iconic business investing in its people, capability and future. You'll join supportive leaders who value curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement. Expect autonomy, trust, genuine career development, and the chance to build something meaningful — not just maintain what already exists.

This is a unique opportunity to join a positive, close-knit culture built around quality, elegance and a loyal customer following.

If you'd like to know more, please send any queries or your CV to:
Shelley Buchanan �� shelley@planningtalent.com.au �� 0451 728 613