Merchandise Systems Platform Planner

Position Overview

Join a leading retail Group in New Zealand as a Merchandise Systems Platform Planner where you will blend your expertise in merchandise planning with critical responsibilities managing system release assurance, regression testing, and change governance. You will play a vital role in ensuring system updates are executed safely, in alignment with company objectives, and will help steer commercial decisions through data-driven merchandise planning.

Key Duties

• Take ownership of release assurance processes including regression tests and documentation for the merchandise planning platform.
• Evaluate system releases to identify trading and operational risks, providing recommendations on approvals or necessary escalations.
• Organize and lead various testing phases such as feature verification, end-to-end scenarios, and user acceptance tests.
• Manage defects and change requests efficiently by prioritizing and resolving issues.
• Collaborate with Merchandise, Data, Project teams, and external vendors for smooth release deployments and ongoing platform support.
• Track system performance post-release and ensure dependable testing coverage and backup support.
• Develop and maintain merchandise forecasts, budgets, open-to-buy metrics, and category strategies.
• Analyze sales trends, demand fluctuations, and inventory risks to support informed buying decisions.
• Assist in assortment planning, promotional activities, markdown strategies, stock allocations, and replenishment operations.
• Identify and suggest enhancements for merchandise systems and operational workflows.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of five years’ experience in merchandise planning roles.
• In-depth understanding of forecasting, budgeting, open-to-buy methodology, and inventory management principles.
• Proven experience conducting complex testing on business-critical systems, including comprehensive end-to-end and user acceptance tests.
• Proficiency in managing defects, change requests, and mitigating production issues.
• Strong analytical mindset coupled with commercial awareness and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills with proven ability to manage stakeholders effectively.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and external software providers.
• Knowledge of Impact Analytics or similar merchandise planning platforms, plus experience in release management or change delivery, is advantageous.

About the Company

The role is with the Briscoe Group which encompasses iconic New Zealand retail brands such as Briscoes Homeware and Rebel Sport. As an NZX-listed entity, the group is undergoing a significant phase of growth and transformation. The company values equal employment opportunities and partnerships that support community welfare.

Additional Information

• Applications close on 18 August 2026.
• Eligibility to work in New Zealand (NZ Resident, Permanent Resident, or Citizen) is mandatory.
• Recruitment processes may include AI-assisted technologies to aid application assessment without fully replacing human decision-making.
• Strict confidentiality is maintained throughout recruitment.