Head of Raw Materials

**Job no**: 996751
**Work type**: Full-Time
**Location**: Melbourne - CBD & Inner
**Categories**: Sourcing/Supply Chain

**_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 into the Chief Sourcing & Supply Chain Officer, this newly created Head of Raw Materials role, will develop and implement the mill network strategy in collaboration with the General Manager Strategic Sourcing and Production, with the accountability of identifying and owning relationships with mill partners that meets needs of brands, brings innovation, delivers products at the best cost, and meets CRG’s quality, sustainability and ethical sourcing standards.

The Head of Raw Materials will manage mill performance, advise design teams, and optimize costs during the season. This role will enhance CRG capabilities, implement best practices in cut and sew, fully fashioned knit, and woven categories, and establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on innovation, brand awareness, and strategic partnerships with key mills.

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

**Key Accountabilities**
- Mill Network Strategy_
- Partner with Strategic Sourcing to identify opportunities to strengthen CRG fabric capabilities, playing a key role in geographic rebalancing and rationalisation
- Nominate suppliers and lead mill relationships and drive cost negotiations.
- Fabric Expertise _
- Support and advise design teams with innovation and technical knowledge to bring the best design to market
- Cost Optimisation _
- Play a key role in strategic cost events through fabric rationalisation and/or engineering-based costing_._
- Performance Management_
- Oversee and be accountable for all aspects of mill performance, including on-time delivery, quality, and cost management.
- People & Leadership _
- Embrace uncertainty and change while facilitating and enabling strategic change with clarity, empathy and optimism
- 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 raw materials sourcing and management within the fashion, apparel, or homewares industry.
- Proven experience in managing supplier relationships with fabric mills, including strategic sourcing, cost negotiations, and performance management across multiple brands to achieve cost efficiencies
- Experience in creating and managing a fabric library that serves multiple brands or banners, ensuring consistency, innovation, and differentiation.
- Technical expertise in fabric construction, weaving, knitting and dyeing processes and deep knowledge of fabric trends and emerging technologies, with the ability to translate trends into business opportunities.
- Deep understanding of fabrics and the production value chain, including fabric types, properties, and technical requirements, with a strong grasp of manufacturing processes.
- Extensive knowledge of sustainability and ethical compliance practices in the têxtile industry, with a demonstrated commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and working collaboratively with design, production, and supply chain departments.

**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 part of the Group’s evolution and support each brand to realise their full potential.

**Advertised**: 16 Oct 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
**Applications close**: 06 Nov 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time