Head of Product Development

**Job no**: 997268
**Work type**: Full-Time
**Location**: Melbourne - CBD & Inner
**Categories**: Sourcing/Supply Chain, Design & Development

**_Country Road Group (CRG) is embarking on transformation to position itself for growth, leveraging our scale, capabilities and culture as a House of Brands._**

Reporting to the General Manager - Sourcing & Production. the Head of Product Development & Production - Country Road is responsible for managing the end-to-end order procurement process for all product categories within the Country Road brand. This role ensures the smooth execution of production activities by overseeing key areas such as calendar adherence, cost management, and strategic alignment. Working closely with Merchandisers, the Head of Product Development & Production optimises pricing and margin outcomes while providing brand-specific insights that shape the overall sourcing strategy. As a key member of the Country Road brand leadership team, this role contributes to brand strategy discussions, ensuring that production operations align with the brand’s goals and market positioning.

This role is responsible for leading, inspiring and cultivating a high performing team that attracts and retains top talent.

**Key Accountabilities**
- Gather projections and commercial requirements from the brand and convert these back to the pre-defined network strategy model
- Lead the team of Senior Product Developers and Product Developers to execute the sourcing strategy on time and on budget
- Manage cost execution at the brand-level to drive commercial outcomes e.g. partner with HO Buying and Brand GMs
- Drive key vendor relationships for brands, with support from Product Developers.
- Brand Strategy:_
- Gather projections and commercial requirements from the brand and convert them into the pre-defined network strategy mode
- Develop and manage the production budget, ensuring that all activities remain within financial parameters while achieving commercial objectives
- Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to drive innovation in sourcing and production processes, ensuring the brand remains competitive in the market.
- Operational Excellence:_
- Lead a team of Senior Product Developers and Product Developers to execute the sourcing strategy on time and within budget, ensuring alignment with brand goals
- Manage cost execution at the brand level to drive commercial outcomes, partnering closely with Head Office Buying and Brand General Managers
- Manage, coordinate, and optimise the critical path and go-to-market calendar for brands, ensuring strict adherence to timelines and key milestones
- Monitor and analyse production performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- People & Leadership:_
- Provide line management and leadership to the 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

**Key Capabilities**
- Extensive experience in a leadership role within Product Development, production and sourcing in the fashion and luxury sectors
- Strong understanding of fashion and luxury item costing, and proven experience in negotiating high-value, high-volume partnerships with suppliers
- Experience in project management, particularly in overseeing the introduction of agencies and driving uplift initiatives
- Knowledge of sustainability practices and ethical compliance in sourcing and production
- Strategic thinking and commercial acumen to align production activities with brand goals
- Exceptional relationship cultivation and management skills with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.

**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 i