Merchandising Manager - Australia and New Zealand Market

Overview

This role as Merchandising Manager for Australia and New Zealand entails crafting and implementing a detailed merchandising plan focused on a retail-first and client-oriented approach. Collaborating closely with retail teams and cross-departmental partners within the corporate office, the role drives business goals through actionable insights derived from sales floor observations, category management, and store-level analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead local merchandising strategies in harmony with global corporate directives.
• Perform continuous sales analysis by category and collection to steer business growth and uncover innovative opportunities through a blend of sales data, retail feedback, and competitor research.
• Work jointly with Visual Merchandising, Communications, Client Relations, High Jewelry Teams, and Finance to execute holistic initiatives that meet organizational objectives.
• Create well-curated assortments tailored for stores and events that reflect the brand's luxury positioning and strategic ambitions.
• Oversee assortment evaluations for new stores and store relocations considering sales goals and competitor landscape.
• Engage with store leaders to identify client demands and coordinate acquisition of desired products globally.
• Develop and manage product launch plans with coordinated follow-ups across categories.
• Continuously monitor market trends, consumer behavior, pricing, and competition, reporting insights to the regional zonal teams.
• Carry out competitive store visits throughout Oceania and communicate critical market developments to the zone management.

Business Planning & Support

• Deliver SKU-level sales forecasts for new products based on historical data and market trends.
• Partner with zone merchandising to effectively set assortments for Retail and eCommerce channels by store.
• Analyze sales metrics to pinpoint growth opportunities and manage risks, including regular reporting on performance indicators.
• Prepare presentations and business reviews for management visits and store briefings.

Retail Team Support

• Build trusting relationships with retail leadership in each store.
• Assist in new store launches by coordinating merchandising displays with Visual Merchandising and Supply Chain teams.
• Collaborate with Retail Learning to design and deliver both product and visual merchandising training, alongside strategic communications supporting zone-wide retail initiatives.
• Gather retail feedback, assist client event execution, and continually evaluate merchandising and display outcomes.
• Promote awareness of merchandising strategies and advocate motivation throughout retail teams.
• Partner with client teams to run caravans, selling events, and interactive concepts aimed at boosting sales and client retention.

Visual Merchandising Leadership

• Lead and oversee the ANZ Visual Merchandising team.
• Manage specialized visual marketing activations collaboratively with stores and zonal partners.
• Set collection placement strategies aligned with sales goals.
• Assess and provide actionable feedback on the success of floor plan and display moves.
• Track product initiative success via specialized fixtures and displays.
• Manage space and capacity needs effectively.
• Coordinate with Retail, Customer Visual Merchandising, and Operations teams to ensure flawless store execution.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor merchandising and visual merchandising personnel.
• Define clear objectives, provide continuous coaching, and cultivate a culture of high performance and teamwork.
• Encourage knowledge exchange and nurture team member growth, responsibility, and ownership.

Requirements

• Strong passion for the luxury jewelry sector paired with strategic merchandising expertise and sharp business insight.
• Between 5 and 10 years of relevant professional experience including demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments within a dynamic, matrixed business environment.
• Advanced analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working in fast-paced team settings with high adaptability.
• Possession of a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent credential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior employment with a global luxury brand is advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of gemstones and fine jewelry; GIA certification considered a plus.