Jo Morris
Geelong,VIC
Summary
Resourceful Planning Manager with over twenty years of experience in organisational planning functions in support of overall business strategy and goal achievement.
A collaborative leader proven to partner with coworkers to promote an engaged, empowering work culture. Demonstrated strength in building and maintaining relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Knowledgeable in the retail industry with an in-depth background analyzing report data, controlling inventory and forecasting. Innovative with historical data and using to craft new strategies for planning process and tactics to optimise sales.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Planning Manager - Factorie
Cotton On Group
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Developed and managed sales budgets and forecasts driving purchasing and open-to-buy (OTB) requirements in order to maximise margin impact.
- Demonstrated adaptability through swift adjustment of merchandise plan metrics in response to unforeseen changes in market conditions and consumer preferences.
- Collaborated closely with buying teams to ensure integration of seasonal trends and product demand reflected accurately in inventory forecasts.
- Evaluated trade performance along with historical data, identifying opportunities for growth and margin improvement.
- Collaborated with visual marketing teams on optimal positioning of products in store for maximum sales impact.
- Mentored and supported seven planning department employees, improving productivity through regular progress monitoring and providing constructive feedback.
- Improved planning efficiency by streamlining planning team structure and operating rhythm.
- Presented bi-monthly brand investment strategy to leadership and key stakeholders, delivering clarity on assortment plan and contributing to successful product launches.
- Conducted post-seasonal evaluation identifying challenges and success and variation to original targets.
- Used Microsoft suite to compute statistics, compile reports and generate visually appealing charts and presentation data.
Senior Planner - Supre
Cotton On Group
01.2014 - 12.2016
- Maintained department merchandise plans ensuring adherence to brand sales and OTB targets.
- Increased collaboration among team members with effective communication and streamlined processes.
- Presented regular department investment summaries to brand leadership team and key stakeholders.
- Conducted quarterly range option plans and quantification in line with OTB targets.
- Analysis of trade performance weekly to identify opportunity and challenges against sales plans.
Supply Chain Manager
Karen Millen
03.2013 - 12.2013
- Developed strong franchisor relationships to ensure timely and region relevant delivery of product.
- Oversaw demand planning, purchasing, and merchandise planning.
- Improved supply chain efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing trade performance measures and reporting.
- Collaborated with internal teams to improve outputs to meet demand and supply requirements, ensuring inventory integrity targets for finished goods.
- Enhanced inventory accuracy with implementation of robust cycle counting schedule.
Merchandise Planner
Sportsgirl
04.2008 - 08.2012
- Supported company objectives by aligning merchandise plans with overall business goals and financial targets.
- Participated in open-to-buy meetings, presenting data-driven recommendations for assortment planning decisions.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
- Monitored key performance indicators, adjusting plans accordingly to maximize sales potential.
- Implemented effective markdown strategies to clear excess inventory while preserving profit margins.
- Coordinated with buying department and retail partners to ensure smooth ordering process and efficient delivery of items.
- Generated sales reports and used data to adjust acquisition, assortment and allocation of the Cut & Sew departments.
Branch Merchandiser - Eastern Europe
Monsoon Accessorize
04.2004 - 05.2007
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing product knowledge and recommending suitable ranges based on regional needs.
- Fostered strong relationships with regional franchise partners to develop sales and inventory plans and execute timely merchandise resets.
- Collaborated closely with buying teams to curate appropriate ranges for Eastern European regions.
- Analysed market conditions and consumer purchasing trends to support accurate forecasting of sales and stock requirements.
- Managed inventory levels with regular monitoring, ordering, and stock replenishment for optimal product availability.
Senior Distributor - TopShop & TopMan
Arcadia Group
08.1997 - 06.2003
- Contributed to maximising sales through ensuring accurate allocation of stock at the right time.
- Collaboration with buying teams to align on product allocation direction.
- Analysed sales and inventory data to determine reorder points and future purchasing needs of volume items.
- Communication with store and regional managers to provide feedback and clarity on stock availability.
- Monitored store and regional sales performance to optimise sales through stock allocation adjustments.
- Compiled weekly reports and presented key highlights and opportunities for the Knitwear, Cut & Sew and Casualwear categories.
Education
BA (Hons) Business and Finance -
University of Gloucestershire
UK06.1996
Skills
- Budget and forecast Preparation
- Business Analysis and Reporting
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Idea Development and Brainstorming
- Decision-Making
- Problem Resolution
- Employee Coaching and Mentoring
- MS Office
References
- Paul Heard, GM Factorie
- Pat Keresztesi, Merchandise Manager - Mimco
Additional Information
- Awarded planning accreditation from Deakin University via the 'COG Uni' program in 2015.
- Received 'Employee of the Quarter' award for planning and buying collaboration.
- Selected as a Cotton On Foundation Ambassador and joined the team on a trip to Uganda in 2018.
Timeline
Planning Manager - Factorie
Cotton On Group
01.2017 - 12.2022
Senior Planner - Supre
Cotton On Group
01.2014 - 12.2016
Supply Chain Manager
Karen Millen
03.2013 - 12.2013
Merchandise Planner
Sportsgirl
04.2008 - 08.2012
Branch Merchandiser - Eastern Europe
Monsoon Accessorize
04.2004 - 05.2007
Senior Distributor - TopShop & TopMan
Arcadia Group
08.1997 - 06.2003
BA (Hons) Business and Finance -
University of Gloucestershire
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