Description:
The Head of Merchandise Planning is responsible for overseeing the trading and planning activities of Country Road, ensuring alignment with the overall business vision and strategy. This role works closely with the Brand Leader to develop and execute a comprehensive business plan aimed at driving sales and increasing market share.
This role is responsible for leading, inspiring and cultivating a high performing team that attracts and retains top talent.
**Please note that this is a Parental Leave contract**
Key Accountabilities
- Develop and implement merchandise planning strategies to achieve financial targets, manage stock, set budget proposals, and oversee the buy and OTB processes
- Work with Buyer to agree topline KPIs for yearly budget, including recommendation of strategy and opportunities
- Manage monthly forecast reviews by channel by division of sale and inventory, providing accurate margin and P&L scenarios for the season
- Build merchandise plans and drive the management of core in line with trade and range architecture strategy
- Manage financial performance through sales, gross profit, and stock management, including allocations, to ensure KPIs are met, and risks are managed
- Trade the business in-season by analysing and reporting on daily performance / forecasts
- Review Fast Track trade opportunities – working in collaboration with Head of Buying and Head of Design to be agile and flexible with OTB as new Trends emerge to drive sales
- Review Option capacities and retail floor plans/fixture capacities in order to maximise sales, and consistently review option plans, and amend where necessary in a fast paced manner
- Work with the Head of Retail to drive sales performance in stores and manage store gridding and profiling with the planning team, in conjunction with our retail teams
- Create & foster an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive and feel included, respected and safe
- Embrace uncertainty and change while facilitating and enabling strategic change with clarity, empathy and optimism
- Role-model learning & development and empower others to change, grow, and incorporate new experiences.
Key Capabilities
- Experience in Merchandise Planning with experience in the luxury, accessible luxury/premium sector of the fashion industry
- Previous experience managing a Merchandise Planning team
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate teams to achieve high performance and continuous development
- Strong commercial acumen with instinctive trading skills to drive business outcomes
- High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and quality in all aspects of planning and trading activities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and levels.
Why work for CRG?
The Country Road Group is one of Australasia’s largest Lifestyle Brand Houses comprising of iconic brands such as Country Road, POLITIX, Trenery, Witchery and MIMCO. Here are some of the great things we offer:
- Generous employee discounts across our House of Brands
- Seasonal clothing allowance
- An additional day of leave for your birthday
- An Industry leading Parental Leave Program
- Flexible working arrangements to support work/life balance
- Annual learning calendar to support the ongoing development of our team
- Support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility Program
- We are committed to operating ethically, sustainably, and responsibly.
About Country Road
Since 1974, Country Road has built a legacy of effortless style and quality designs that are made to last. From its products to its partnerships and stores, the brand looks to drive positive change so you can feel proud of every Country Road purchase you take home.