Head of Merchandise Planning

**Job no**: 996766
**Work type**: Full-Time
**Location**: Melbourne - CBD & Inner
**Categories**: Merchandise

**_Country Road Group (CRG) is embarking on transformation to position itself for growth, leveraging our scale, capabilities and culture as a House of Brands. We are investing in new and existing capabilities and have a number of exciting opportunities available._**

The Head of Merchandise Planning is responsible for overseeing the trading and planning activities of the brand business, 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.

**Key Accountabilities**
- Merchandise Planning Strategy:_
- Develop and implement merchandise planning strategies to achieve financial targets, manage stock, set budget proposals, and oversee the buy and OTB processes
- Drive initiatives to maximise margin opportunity and reduce markdown/ clearance against agreed targets.
- Budgeting & Forecasting:_
- 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
- Work with Buyers to develop divisional / channel budgets.
- Trading:_
- Manage financial performance through sales, gross profit, and stock management, including allocations, to ensure KPIs are met, and risks are managed
- Course-correct plans and inventory orders as needed with recommendations on seasonal assortment line-plan
- Build merchandise plans and drive the management of core in line with trade and range architecture strategy
- Govern OTB; monitor POs and ensure proper inventory investment & allocation to maintain budget to OTB.
- Retail Operations:_
- 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.
- People & Leadership:_
- Take full responsibility for the outcomes of the merchandise planning function, ensuring it aligns with the broader business strategy and delivers on key objectives
- Provide line management and leadership to the merchandise planning team, overseeing performance, development, and resource allocation to achieve departmental goals
- Embrace uncertainty and change while facilitating and enabling strategic change with clarity, empathy and optimism
- Collaborate across group, building team cohesion and connection, to inspire and bring our House of Brands strategy to life
- Create & foster an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive and feel included, respected and safe. Set clear expectations of behaviour and hold self and others accountable
- Role-model learning & development and empower others to change, grow, and incorporate new experiences. Build internal talent bench.

**Key Capabilities**
- A degree in a relevant field such as Business, Merchandising, Retail Management, Supply Chain Management, or relevant industry experience
- 7-10 years of experience in Merchandise Planning with experience in the luxury, accessible luxury/premium sector of the fashion industry
- Proven track record in merchandise management in a similar sized organisation
- Strong commercial acumen with instinctive trading skills to drive business outcomes
- Excellent organisational skills with a strong focus on meeting deadlines and managing multiple priorities
- Effective problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues, analyse data, and implement practical solutions
- 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 CRG**

Country Road Group is Australia's largest Lifestyle Brand Houses comprising of iconic brands including Country Road, POLITIX, Trenery, Witchery and MIMCO. Our Values include being Customer Obsessed, Collaborative, Inspirational, Responsible and Dedicated to Quality. We are looking for highly motivated and passionate individuals to be