General Manager Merchandise

**Job no**: 799198
**Work type**: Full time
**Location**: Melbourne - Central
**Categories**: Merchandising - Product

**About Jacqui E**

At Jacqui E, we understand that nothing feels as good as looking good, which is why we work so hard to ensure our customers do. Drawing inspiration from global fashion trends our range embodies a contemporary and sophisticated style with versatile collections. With an emphasis on flattering styles, quality fabrics and exceptional tailoring Jacqui E continues to make women feel beautiful. Jacqui E is a key brand within the Just Group, a prominent Australian retailer with a strong presence in both Australia and New Zealand. The Just Group encompasses five renowned brands—Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Jacqui E, and Dotti—and operates over 700 stores across the region.

**About the Role**

The General Manager of Merchandise will partner closely with the Group General Manager to deliver a clear, customer-first merchandising strategy across all product categories. This pivotal leadership role works cross-functionally with buying, planning, marketing, and our retail teams to shape our product assortment, optimise pricing and inventory, and drive sales performance. With a strong commercial mindset and deep understanding of the Jacqui E customer, the GM will also lead vendor relationships and ensure our product and design direction is aligned with both brand vision and evolving market trends — always with the goal of delivering timeless style and lasting value.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Merchandise Strategy & Planning**
- Develop and Present seasonal buying/trend strategies that meet margin and performance goals to GGM for approval
- Contribute to and lead the mid to long term brand strategy that will be presented to and signed off by GGM and MD
- Lead the transformation of design into wearable, commercial collections that resonate with the Jacqui E customer
- Guide material and finish selections to ensure quality, brand consistency, and cost-efficiency
- Partner with planning, supply chain, and merchandise teams to deliver a seamless product journey — from concept to store
- Manage supplier performance, cost negotiations, and ensure reliable production timelines

**Brand & Product Development**
- Stay close to our customer using insights and data to refine assortments and enhance product appeal
- Support the design and development of collections that reflect Jacqui E's classic-meets-contemporary aesthetic
- Conduct local and international trend and competitor analysis to ensure Jacqui E remains relevant and competitive
- Oversee garment fit, quality standards, and overall product integrity to maintain our trusted reputation
- Lead OTB management, aligning buys with financial goals and delivering category growth

**Financial Performance**
- Collaborate on post-season reviews to inform future strategy and improve profitability
- Monitor trade performance daily and pivot in-season where needed to drive results
- Deliver aged stock strategies that reduce markdown risk and maintain margin integrity

**Team Leadership**
- Lead and mentor a high-performing, agile merchandise team with clarity, purpose, and care
- Set clear goals, support capability development, and create a positive, solution-focused team culture
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation across people, process, and product

**About You**
- At least 7-10 years of experience in Buying/Merchandising, with at least 3-5 years in a senior management position
- Proven track record of successful product assortment planning, pricing strategies, and inventory management in a retail setting
- Strong knowledge of retail fashion industry trends, consumer behaviours, and competitive dynamics
- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with expertise in sales data analysis and forecasting
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills to build relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners
- In-depth understanding of financial metrics and budgeting processes
- Have a commercially focused and process-driven mindset, identifying opportunities to simplify processes and create efficiencies
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- High level of attention to detail when it comes to driving excellent quality and value for money for the customer
- Proficiency in merchandising software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

**Advertised**: 23 Apr 2025 AUS Eastern Standard Time
**Applications close**: