Head of Merchandise

Build the planning function. Shape global commercial strategy. Influence at executive level.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished merchandise planning leader to establish and lead the planning function for a growing global, multi-channel business.

Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, you will take ownership of the commercial planning framework across retail, eCommerce, wholesale and distributor markets.

You will build the reporting, systems, processes and team capability required to support the organisation’s next stage of growth.

This is not a business-as-usual planning role. We are looking for someone who can create structure, elevate commercial decision-making and establish a best-in-class planning function from the ground up.

The opportunity As Head of Merchandise Planning, you will:

- Establish the planning function, including its operating rhythm, reporting cadence, processes, systems and best-practice frameworks.
- Own seasonal, annual and multi-year merchandise and financial planning across global markets and channels.
- Lead the full Open-to-Buy process across retail, eCommerce and wholesale.
- Develop global assortment strategies, including range architecture, pricing architecture, option planning and SKU productivity.
- Build weekly and monthly trade reporting, commercial dashboards, KPIs and forecasting tools.
- Translate sales, inventory, margin and customer data into transparent commercial recommendations.
- Partner closely with Finance on budgets, forecasts and broader P&L; outcomes.
- Lead structured post-season reviews and competitor benchmarking, turning insights into actions.
- Identify and implement improvements across planning systems, tools and processes.
- Develop SOPs and establish a culture of accuracy, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Coach and develop the existing planning resource, while shaping the future structure and growth of the team.




- Act as the organisation’s leading merchandise planning voice, presenting recommendations directly to the executive leadership team.

About you:

You are an experienced merchandise planning leader who combines strong technical planning capability with commercial judgement, strategic thinking and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders.

You will bring:

- At least eight years’ merchandise planning experience, including senior leadership or functional ownership.
- Experience within a complex, multi-channel retail, fashion, accessories or consumer business.
- Strong knowledge of OTB management, forecasting, WSSI, inventory optimisation, margin management and range planning.
- Experience building or significantly improving planning processes, reporting frameworks and commercial tools.
- The ability to move confidently between long-term strategy and in-season trading.
- Strong financial acumen and experience partnering with Finance on budgets, forecasts and P&L; performance.
- Advanced analytical capability and the ability to turn complex data into clear commercial direction.
- Demonstrated people leadership, coaching and capability-building experience.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to operate with autonomy.
- Exceptional communication and executive-level presentation skills.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to do more than inherit an established function. You will have the mandate to build it, shape it and make it your own.

You will work closely with the Executive Vice President and senior leadership team, influence global business strategy and create the planning capability that will underpin the organisation’s future growth.

If you are ready to step into a highly visible leadership role where your commercial expertise will have genuine impact, we would love to hear from you

Reach out via: ************@jivaro.com.au
Additional information

- Strong culture across this international luxury fashion business
- WFH + $160,000 + Super + Bonus + Benefits
- Build and lead the planning function

📌 Head of Merchandise (Confidential) (New South Wales)
🏢 Jivaro
📍 New South Wales