Merchandise Planning Manager

**Job no**: 997046
**Work type**: Part-Time
**Location**: Melbourne - CBD & Inner
**Categories**: 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. We are investing in new and existing capabilities and have a number of exciting opportunities available._**
- The Merchandise Planning Manager is responsible for leading and managing Planning teams for MW. The key focus of this role is to manage the financial performance of the MW through sales, gross profit and stock management. This role is also responsible for working closely with the Buying team to drive the brand’s merchandising strategy, especially as it relates to range plans and pricing architecture.

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

**Key Accountabilities**
- Accountable for developing and managing the financial performance of the WW according to budget forecast measured by Sales, Gross Profit & Stock Management
- Collaborate with the buying team to effect trading decisions through competitor analysis, product in-take to ensure that GP is maximised
- Brief and sign off the promotional calendar/advertising in conjunction with Buying, Marketing and Design
- Analyse, recommend and finalise divisional forecasts by working with the buying team to develop strategic and corporate viewpoints to determine most credible forecasts for current season and subsequent seasons
- Along with the Heads of Design and Heads of Buying, set the option plan direction to inform the range assortment in line with the company design and financial strategy to meet customer needs
- Coordinate the Planning team to prepare and contribute towards SWOT and post seasonal review meetings and any forward strategy meetings in conjunction with the product team
- 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**
- Strong industry experience - from a merchandise or product development background preferred - a keen aesthetic and affinity with product & brand essential
- Strategic thinking
- Relevant industry experience - most likely from a Buying or Merchandise Planning background
- Excellent communication skills, ability to cascade messaging appropriately and lead as well as work within team - at all levels
- Business acumen, drive, knowledge of how to take a business forward
- Ability to develop a performance driven culture.

**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 Country Road**

Since 1974, Country Road has built a legacy of effortless style and quality designs that are made to last. From its products to its partnerships and stores, the brand looks to drive positive change so you can feel proud of every Country Road purchase you take home.

**Advertised**: 20 Nov 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
**Applications close**: 11 Dec 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time