Head of Retail - Country Road
COUNTRY ROAD GROUP is undergoing a transformation to position itself for growth, leveraging its scale, capabilities, and culture as a House of Brands. We are investing in new and existing capabilities and have numerous exciting opportunities available.
The primary purpose as the Head of Retail is to drive and execute the retail strategy with a focus on driving profitability, ensuring the brand's retail business remains competitive, customer-focused, and aligned with the brand and Group vision. You will oversee the retail field and visual merchandising teams, ensuring retail store operations and visual standards in-store are flawlessly executed, delivering a consistent and engaging customer experience that maximizes customer conversion and profitability for the retail business.
Key Accountabilities:
* Lead the execution of the brand and Group's retail strategies and in-store visual merchandising (VM) execution.
* Liaise with merchandising, product, and VM creative leads to understand upcoming launches and store execution expectations at a brand level.
* Partner with GM Retail, brand MD, and Head of Retail Operations to align retail strategies with the overall brand vision and Group's goals.
* Contribute to strategic planning as part of the Brand Leadership team, providing insights and recommendations to drive growth and innovation.
Finance Management:
* Manage the brand's retail P&L, actively controlling costs and maximizing revenue.
* Guide Retail and VM teams on profitability levers to enhance sales, conversion, and profit.
* Collaborate with Retail Operations and Finance to ensure accurate budgets and set improvement targets.
Retail Operations & Customer Experience:
* Create a customer service strategy that delivers a 'best in class' experience, fostering loyalty and generating repeat business.
* Work with Retail Operations to develop tools, reports, and strategies for flawless in-store execution.
* Partner with Real Estate on site development, new store openings, and refurbishments.
Brand Management:
* Oversee VM Field Operations, supporting store teams in executing VM standards.
* Evaluate VM programs for continuous improvement, ensuring brand consistency across stores.
* Coordinate with the Head of Visual Merchandising for seamless VM implementation.
* Lead and motivate the retail team, fostering clear communication, inclusion, and a positive culture.
* Build team cohesion and inspire the House of Brands strategy.
* Manage change effectively with empathy and clarity.
* Partner with HR to support team development, recruitment, and performance management.
Key Capabilities:
* Extensive management experience in retail or high-sales environments.
* Strong industry knowledge, aesthetic sensibility, and brand affinity.
* Proven leadership in managing large teams and strategic planning.
* Financial acumen, including budget management and financial reporting.
* Adaptability and responsiveness in a dynamic setting.
* Experience leading teams through change and fostering continuous improvement.
Why work for CRG?
COUNTRY ROAD GROUP is one of Australasia's largest Lifestyle Brand Houses, including brands like Country Road, POLITIX, Trenery, Witchery, and MIMCO. Benefits include:
* Generous employee discounts
* Seasonal clothing allowance
* Birthday leave
* Industry-leading parental leave
* Flexible work arrangements
* Ongoing professional development
* Community and sustainability initiatives
About Country Road:
Since 1974, Country Road has been a leader in style and quality, committed to sustainability and supporting local communities. We strive to operate ethically, sustainably, and responsibly, embedding these values into every aspect of our business.
COUNTRY ROAD GROUP is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Please inform us of any support or accessibility requirements during your application process.