Head of Visual Merchandising

**Job no**: 996765
**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 Visual Merchandising (VM) will define and oversee the creative vision for in-store visual strategy, including layout, presentation, and visual guidelines to drive sales. Leading a team of VM Creative Specialists, this role will create innovative window displays, engaging in-store environments, and impactful visual merchandising that aligns with brand strategies, marketing campaigns, seasonal direction that drives in-store sales conversion.

Acting as the owner of the brand's in-store visual identity, the Head of VM will ensure a consistent and engaging experience for customers across Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

**Key Accountabilities**
- Creative Direction & Visual Identity:_
- Develop, lead, and execute a compelling and innovative VM creative strategy, encompassing window displays, in-store environments and fixtures, and visual merchandising of product ranges and evergreen styling needs
- Ensure the VM creative vision aligns with overall brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and seasonal product direction, working closely with internal teams
- Lead the development of detailed visual merchandising guidelines, including in-store language, talking cards, brand texture, and imagery, that inspire and guide in-store teams to deliver a consistent and impactful brand experience
- Partner with the HOD's to ensure the VM and retail leadership teams are aligned on VM vision and execution within stores, supported by the VM regional management teams.
- Store Design:_
- Collaborate closely with the Real Estate & Development (RED) team to provide creative input and influence the design of new stores and refurbishments, ensuring alignment with the brand's visual identity and customer experience objectives
- Partner with RED to review and refine fixture suites, optimising for both aesthetics and functionality while maximising space productivity and supporting brand initiatives
- Understand changes to business to work in developing and implementing a strategy to optimise space productivity and accommodate new growth categories in line with the company strategy.
- People & Leadership:_
- Take full responsibility for the outcomes of the VM function, ensuring it aligns with the broader business strategy and delivers on key objectives
- 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
- Develop a performance culture based on continuous improvement, ongoing training, and consistent and constructive feedback, ensuring the team is equipped to meet evolving business needs and VM best practices.

**Key Capabilities**
- Relevant VM degree / course
- Strong industry experience - a keen aesthetic and affinity with brand essential
- Proven track record in senior leader role, management experience and ability to lead and motivate large teams
- Extensive experience in visual merchandising with a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep affinity for brand alignment and representation
- Proven ability to nurture and build brand value through strategic visual merchandising practices, enhancing brand identity and market presence
- Proficiency in presenting concepts visually through sketching, mock-ups, and storyboards to communicate ideas clearly and effectively
- Experience in fashion retailing with a strong understanding of current trends in store design and fashion
- Strong analytical skills to assess performance, identify issues, and develop effective solutions to improve visual merchandising outcomes.

**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