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
This role leads Koala’s global supply planning function, shaping how inventory is positioned across markets to support growth while balancing working capital and service.
You’ll own end-to-end supply planning decisions across a global network, bringing structure to how planning is done while building a team that can make confident, autonomous decisions. It’s a hands-on leadership role, staying close to the detail while setting direction and driving outcomes.
Working within a long lead time, global supply model, you’ll navigate trade-offs between availability, risk and investment, making decisions that directly impact customer experience and how the business performs.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Investment & Replenishment Ownership
Make and own global replenishment decisions across all markets
Directly manage ordering cycles for emerging markets and high revenue categories
Review and approve purchasing plans within Delegation of Authority (DoA) thresholds
Own inventory positioning decisions across DCs, balancing availability and working capital
Own end of life planning, including visibility and management of obsolete and aging stock
Planning Systems & Decision Governance
Own planning parameters and governance, including safety stock, order cadence and planning logic
Work within planning systems to review outputs, manage exceptions and ensure decisions are understood and challenged
Drive improvements in planning processes, reducing manual work and increasing automation
Manage reporting and analysis across planning cycles
Supply Risk & Freight Management
Manage long lead time, sea freight based supply including PO timing, deferrals and expedites
Monitor cargo ready date adherence and shipping performance
Identify and manage supply risks, delays and compression risks
Work with suppliers, freight partners and operations to manage constraints and improve outcomes
Commercial & Launch Alignment
Build and align supply and purchasing plans for new product launches
Support commercial endorsement processes with clear supply plans and risks
Ensure alignment between supply planning, commercial teams and operations
Support planning inputs for key business decisions
Ideal background
8–10 years in supply planning, inventory or supply chain roles, ideally within physical product environments (experience with large or bulky goods advantageous)
Experience working in direct-to-consumer or retail environments, with an understanding of how supply decisions impact customer availability and experience
Experience owning replenishment and inventory decisions across multiple markets or DCs
Strong analytical capability, with a focus on reducing manual work and improving planning through automation
Experience working with long lead time, container-based supply models
Experience with planning systems (e.g. RELEX, Kinaxis, Anaplan), with the ability to challenge how outputs are generated, interpreted and used
Strong understanding of inventory, service and working capital trade offs
Experience leading or mentoring planners
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Able to make decisions and take ownership of outcomes
Treehouse 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 Juno, 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 Kommunity is a great place to hang out and belong to!
Koalities We Look For
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 are ambitious. We are curious. We are selfless. 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. We're confident, but NEVER arrogant and we adapt to change like Steve Smith under a short ball. 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.