Head of Merchandise
Are you analytical, creative and a team leader? This could be perfect role for you to spearhead a high performing team within an established retailer in the luxury space.
Our client is seeking a Head of Merchandise to join their established brand. This role will be responsible for a robust merchandise planning system to provide clear, concise and accurate information across various business functions. The primary function will be to support and drive decisions related to product and forecasting with the goal of achieving financial and merchandise objectives.
Perks
Generous staff discount
Hybrid working
Wellness benefits
Learning and development opportunities
Beautiful office space
If you're interested in hearing more about this position please send your CV tojessica@whointhezoo.com.au to organise a confidential chat.
Hiring Consultant: Jessica
Job Code: 764022
Please note only those applicants who fit the brief will be contacted in relation to their application.
RESPONSIBILITIES +
General Overview
- Lead the development and ensure adherence to process improvements, standardizations, and best practices within planning.
- Deliver high-level analysis and reporting to management, providing strategic recommendations aimed at maximizing sales and profitability.
- Forecast sales, profits, purchases, markdowns, inventory, and OTB on a monthly basis.
- Create advanced pricing and promotional analytics that drive growth while aligning with brand objectives.
- Oversee core line availability to maintain optimal stock levels at all times.
- Develop allocation, replenishment, and consolidation processes to ensure the right stock is available in the right place at the right time.
- Create report templates to provide the buying team with essential data and insights.
- Review and enhance best practice reporting to ensure tight management of the OTB.
- Collaborate with Logistics to reduce fulfillment costs through precise forecasting and inventory management.
- Maintain end-to-end accountability for inventory health, sales performance, and profitability.
- Partner with retail and digital teams to optimize conversion rates by delivering analytical insights.
Financial Management
- Develop and provide analysis reports to improve sales and margins with recommendations.
- Weekly reports include; Actual vs Forecasted results, Category & Chanel Analysis, Monitor in Stock Position, Promotional Planning & Analysis of Promotions, Trade Meetings
- Monthly reports include; MFP rollover and review, Model stock levels and Item ranging by site
- Quarterly reports include; End of and mid season review, New/seasonal product planning , Semi-annual: Seasonal buy, Competitor analysis including price point and merchandise hierarchy , SWOT analysis by category, Future growth strategies
Operational Efficiency
- Ensure all admin and operational tasks of the merchandise team are completed accurately and efficiently complying with policies and procedures
- Develop reporting tools and produce relevant results and reports
- Conduct store visits and monitor competitor activity
- Scope and implement tooling that drives efficiency
- Ad hoc project work as required
- Team Collaboration
- Support team members by leading by example and fostering positive team relationships
- Lead cross functional squad formats to deliver strategic projects end to end
- Develop professional relationships with your team members to ensure optimal communication, efficiency and productivity
- Participate and contribute to weekly meetings, make suggestions for continuous improvement
- Serve as a cross-functional influence as part of your team’s BAU activities and during strategic project work in order to foster cross-collaboration within the business
- Leadership and People Management
- Leading by example, you will ensure that your team members support one another to achieve a common goal. Coaching, motivating, inspiring and being the champion of team spirit, you will actively engage your team and lead them to be high performers.
- Inspire and lead by example to motivate team members to work towards a common goal
- Coach, motivate and be the champion of team spirit to promote a high performing team
- Set up work plans and manage workflow prioritisation of the team
- Work collaboratively to establish, implement, and regularly assess individual performance goals and training/development plans.
- Foster a culture that celebrates and rewards both individual and team achievements.
- Take an active role in recruiting, onboarding, and training new team members while providing ongoing coaching and mentorship.
- Offer consistent and constructive feedback to your team and promote open communication within the group.
- Effectively manage employee performance to enhance productivity, job satisfaction, customer service, and overall retention.
REQUIREMENTS +
- 5 + years of experience in merchandising for a luxury brand (highly desirable)
- Strong leadership qualities with ability to inspire and mentor a team
- Highly organized able to manage projects and guide a team in efficiency and streamlining processes
- Strong analytical background able to interpret and summarize data to share across key stakeholders
- Advanced Excel with ability to track data and complete complex analysis
- Strategic mindset able to drive new initiatives and elevate your team to drive business value