Planning Lead - Hype DC

We’re looking for an experienced Planning Lead to join Hype DC and lead merchandise planning across our multi-brand footwear portfolio in Australia and New Zealand. Working closely with the Planning Manager, you’ll oversee everything from forecasting and trade analysis through to inventory management and allocation, making sure we’re making the right decisions to drive sales, margin and stock performance. You’ll also step into a key 2IC role, supporting the wider planning function while leading and developing a Planning Analyst and Allocator. What you’ll be doing: Lead weekly trade reviews, looking at sales, margin and promotional performance and identifying where we need to act. Manage sales, margin, purchase and stock forecasts, including monthly reforecasts and annual budgets. Oversee allocation and replenishment strategies to make sure stock is in the right place at the right time. Put together tactical plans to address underperforming areas and get trade back on track. Plan for key trade events, making sure sales targets, stock levels, promotions and markdowns are all aligned. Review brand and seasonal performance to help shape future buys, ranges and store grading. Work closely with Buying, Retail Operations, Marketing and Digital to keep plans on track and respond to changing trade. Lead and support the development of a Planning Analyst and Allocator.   What we’re looking for: 5+ years' merchandise planning experience in a fast-paced retail environment, ideally in footwear. Strong knowledge of MSSI/WSSI, Open-to-Buy, forecasting, markdown management and stock governance. Experience using merchandise financial planning systems, ideally FSR. Strong Excel skills, including lookups, SUMIFS and pivot tables. Confident analysing data and using it to make commercial recommendations. Experience managing or mentoring team members across planning, allocation or merchandise. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence decisions. Experience in assortment planning, width vs depth analysis and price architecture would be a bonus.