Head of Strategic Sourcing- Country Road Group

Lead a team of sourcing specialists to develop, drive and deliver the Strategic Sourcing strategy across Ethics, Operations, Supply Chain, and Product Safety and Compliance.

The role

The Head of Strategic Sourcing is responsible for building and maintaining a strong working knowledge of supply market and Commodity conditions to enable identifying and developing a World Class Supply Base that will support manufacturing strategies, and Product Roadmaps.

You will provide supply market insights, linking supplier capabilities to business needs and works with suppliers and engineering to determine technology design approaches which deliver best cost and quality advantage.

Reporting to the GM of Sourcing and Supply Chain, you will manage and lead the internal strategy and engagement with executive leadership on ethics and responsible sourcing as well as supporting the implementation of the Good Business Journey.

Based in Melbourne with a hybrid mix of time in the office and from home, this role will suit a highly commercially astute and passionate strategic sourcing leader.

Key responsibilities will include;
- Development, Engagement & Implementation of Responsible Sourcing Strategy
- Lead the Supplier contractual agreements management, negotiation, signoff and onboarding onto CRG systems.
- Develop and maintain group policies for CRG and develop new policies as required.
- Set, maintain and drive the ethical requirements for suppliers and factories to ensure business due diligence, including tracking and reporting of key compliance performance indicators.
- Ensure compliance of factories and suppliers to our code of conduct requirements, lead the rectification of issues in the supplier base including non-compliances to auditing standards, and oversee the development and execution of remediation plans.
- Developing and implementing the roadmap on addressing Modern Slavery, including reporting in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act requirements.
- Develop and maintain long-term supplier relationships that will deliver competitive advantages including lowest total cost, highest quality products, and superior customer service
- Lead the supplier analytics reporting on to mitigate risk, develop supplier strategies and support margin goals.
- Oversee the maintenance of suppliers including Vendor database, factory traceability, KPI Scorecards and reporting
- Educate teams on legislative safety requirements, and ensure safety manuals are inline with mandatory standards
- Survey global trends and risks related to social compliance, factory conditions, and supply chain environmental issues to advise leadership on future direction and management of issues
- Proven experience leading within a similar role
- Experience working with suppliers and factories in global offshore locations
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including Multi-stakeholder initiatives and NGO’s.
- In-depth understanding of responsible sourcing, supply chain auditing, and remediation practices, tools, and standards
- Strong knowledge of key apparel supply chain issues, including worker safety and well-being, mitigating environmental impact, and human rights
- Proven analytical skills, comfort with technology, and ability to utilize data for better decision making

Why work for us?
- A competitive remuneration package, including an annual bonus incentive
- Generous employee discounts across David Jones, Country Road, Mimco, Trenery, Witchery & POLITIX brands
- Hybrid working arrangements in office and from home that provide appropriate work/life balance
- An additional day of leave for your birthday
- A supportive, highly flexible and engaging environment that will support personal and professional development
- Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
- Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices
- Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

About Us

David Jones and the Country Road Group is Australasia’s largest department store and fashion retail group comprising of iconic brands such as David Jones, 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 part of the Group’s evolution and support each brand to realise their full potential.