Reporting to the Managing Director of Country Road, the Head of Buying is responsible for leading the strategic development and delivery of product assortments across Fashion, Seasonal, and Core lines, ensuring alignment with customer preferences and market trends. This role oversees the apparel and accessories categories across Womenswear, Menswear, and Childrenswear, leading and inspiring the Buying function to act as the voice and advocate of the customer, informed by market trends and competitors. This role is also responsible for leading, inspiring, and cultivating a high-performing team that attracts and retains top talent. Key Accountabilities Build, implement, and deliver the Buying strategy for the Brand to meet financial targets and brand pillars. Align Design direction and Customer needs by developing product assortments that balance creativity, innovation, customer preferences, and market trends, in line with the Critical Path. Take overall responsibility for intake margin, working closely with Design, Planning, and Sourcing teams to align product development objectives with Budget KPI’s. Collaborate with Head of Design to influence product design direction to achieve sales, margin, sell-through, and brand consistency. Provide product strategy inputs to Planning for effective and commercial divisional and channel budgets and strategies. Adapt proactively to in-season trading actions and emerging trends to optimize product plans. Participate in overseas trips with Design and Production counterparts. Manage sales, margin, sell-through, and BGP, working with pod leaders and team members. Review product performance across channels and incorporate team feedback for decision-making. Lead Seasonal Reviews, SWOT analyses, and post-season reviews with relevant teams. Collaborate with departments like Planning, Production, Retail, VM, and Marketing for brand consistency. Provide leadership and performance management to the buying team. Foster team cohesion and align efforts with the House of Brands strategy. Embrace change and facilitate strategic shifts with clarity and empathy. Create an inclusive environment where all team members feel respected and safe. Model learning and development, empowering team growth. Key Capabilities Bachelor's degree in relevant fields; Master’s preferred. Certifications in buying, merchandising, or supply chain management are advantageous. Extensive experience in buying within a fast-paced retail environment. Proven leadership in team development and high-performance culture. Strategic thinking aligned with market trends and business goals. Strong financial acumen, including margin and inventory management. Deep understanding of customer preferences and data insights. Expertise in costing, margin analysis, and trading. Why work for CRG? The Country Road Group, a leading Lifestyle Brand House in Australasia, offers: Generous employee discounts Seasonal clothing allowance Additional day off for birthdays Industry-leading Parental Leave Flexible working arrangements Ongoing learning opportunities Community and CSR initiatives A commitment to ethical, sustainable, and responsible operations About Country Road As Australia’s favourite lifestyle brand, we deliver timeless Australian style designed for life and made to last. We seek team members inspired to work together to deliver the best products and experiences, fostering a culture of belonging. Country Road Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Support or access requirements are encouraged to be communicated at the application stage. J-18808-Ljbffr