Supply Planning & Inventory Analyst

Koala is a global furniture brand bringing Australian design and innovation to the world. We create forward-thinking products that solve problems for people and homes everywhere, driven by our purpose to make the world a more comfortable place.

We’ve always believed in doing things differently, whether in the way we develop products, how we do people and culture, or the way we bring the brand to life. That mindset has fuelled our growth, helping us disrupt categories in ways that are creative, bold and often unexpected. While we’re a household name in Australia, our journey on the global stage is only just beginning.

Since launching in 2015, our furniture has reached homes across Australia, Japan, the US and the UK. As a B Corp-certified, customer-obsessed, and data-led company, we’re committed to revolutionising furniture for generations to come through design, innovation, and meaningful sustainability.

Role Description

The Supply Planning & Inventory Analyst is responsible for end-to-end supply planning and inventory management across an allocated portfolio of products, suppliers and markets, combining hands-on planning execution with data, analytics and automation to improve inventory outcomes and how planning gets done.

The role translates demand forecasts into executable supply plans, manages replenishment and purchase orders, monitors inventory and inbound supply, and proactively manages risks to availability, working capital and inventory health.

A key focus of the role is inventory productivity and product lifecycle management, ensuring inventory decisions are actively managed from new product introduction through to mature replenishment and eventual product exit.

The role also plays an active part in advancing how Koala plans, using data, AI, automation and internally built tools to improve decision-making, reduce manual processes and enable more scalable, exception-based planning. It is suited to someone who enjoys both executing the plan and building better ways of doing it.

Key Responsibilities

Supply Planning & Execution

• Own the end-to-end supply planning lifecycle for an allocated portfolio of products, suppliers and markets.

• Translate demand forecasts into executable supply and replenishment plans.

• Generate and manage purchase orders, inbound supply and projected inventory availability.

• Proactively identify and resolve stockout, excess inventory and supply continuity risks through exception management.

• Partner with suppliers and internal stakeholders to manage lead times, production plans and supply constraints.

Analytics, Automation & Planning Advancement

• Use data and analytics to identify supply and inventory risks before they become operational issues.

• Develop reporting and insights that improve inventory, replenishment and planning decisions.

• Identify opportunities to simplify or automate planning activities using AI, data and internally built tools.

• Support the development of exception-based and increasingly automated planning processes.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that improve the scalability and effectiveness of Koala's planning processes.

Inventory Management & Productivity

• Actively manage inventory performance across availability, stock cover, working capital and inventory risk.

• Identify opportunities to improve inventory productivity while maintaining customer availability.

• Analyse inventory performance to identify over-invested, under-invested and slow-moving inventory.

• Develop recommendations to reduce excess inventory and improve inventory health.

• Support inventory scenario modelling and provide visibility of key inventory risks and opportunities.

Product Introductions, Transitions & Exits

• Own supply planning for new product launches, ensuring inventory is positioned for successful execution.

• Manage inventory requirements through product transitions, substitutions and range changes.

• Develop and execute inventory run-down strategies for exiting and discontinued products.

• Manage final-buy decisions to minimise residual and obsolete inventory.

• Partner with Category, Demand Planning and Commercial teams to balance availability and inventory risk throughout the product lifecycle.
  

Ideal background

• 5+ years' experience in supply planning, inventory planning, replenishment or a related supply chain role, preferably coming from a physical consumer goods, eCommerce or DTC background

• Strong understanding of inventory management, purchasing, replenishment and supply planning

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, with the ability to turn data into practical actions

• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills and confidence working with large operational datasets

• Demonstrated experience in using AI, automation or internally built tools in past roles

• Experience working with data platforms such as BigQuery advantageous

• SQL, Python, Apps Script or similar technical capability highly regarded, but not essential

• Experience managing new product introductions, transitions and product exits advantageous

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment with a strong ownership and continuous improvement mindset
  

Perks and Privileges

Koala is only great when its employees are happy; and we’re one happy bunch!

• Hybrid working - We’re mixing it up with ~3 days back in the Alexandria Treehouse (office) and work from bed/home (WFB)

• Take a break - Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave and more to help keep your work-life balance, balanced.

  Treehouse goods - Fully stocked kitchen with an emphasis on healthy local produce, think bougie brekky, salad bar, kombucha on tap, monthly barbies and more.

• Pet-friendly - The Koala Treehouse is as pet-friendly as they get!

• Surprise & delight - The two-word combo at the core of everything we do. All Koalas can expect to enjoy free Koala products with ‘mates rates’ for your friends and fam.

• Support & wellbeing - Our employee experience respects and embraces all families, formed, found and evolving. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Program, which includes unlimited sessions for financial, work, relationship, family or wellbeing support.

• Accelerate your career - via our Learning Management platform, as well as individual and team growth budgets and dedicated days.

• Community & connection - We believe that simply doing ‘no harm’ isn’t good enough So, how are we doing our part? BCorp Certified, WWF Partnership, volunteer days, a member of SoftLanding, 1% and so much more.

All in all, the Koala Community is a great place to hang out and belong to!

Why Join Koala?

At Koala, we do things a little differently and we don’t shy away from the fact that we expect a lot from our employees! We have no ego; we seek feedback that grows us; and we have a strong bias for action. We want you to challenge expectations, always look to make a difference and give us something different from the norm. We want people that bring great energy, that have a long-game focus and are always trying to find new angles and approaches to the way we work. We're a team full of entrepreneurial spirit and have a relentless focus on 'what's next' but while always reviewing 'what's been done' and learning, growing and adapting. Honesty and empathy drive everything we do, as well as a total focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations. So if you feel like this could be you... well what the bloody hell are you waiting for? Drop us a line, and let's see what you've got! ;)

There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate, Koala is a place where everyone has opportunity. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day. We’re an equal opportunity employer, and recognise that a diverse workforce is crucial to our success as a business.

To read more, check out our careers, LinkedIn, or the great work we do with Work180.