Head of Buying & Merchandise Planning, ANZ

Ralph Lauren Corporation; Council of the City of Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fashion and lifestyle brand is seeking an experienced Head of Buying & Merchandise Planning in Sydney. This senior leadership position involves shaping merchandise strategy, leading a team, and analyzing market trends to drive growth. Success requires proven experience in merchandise planning and exceptional analytical skills. The role fosters a collaborative culture and offers the opportunity to impact local market relevance.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and management in merchandise planning within the fashion/apparel retail field.
• Exceptional Excel and data analysis skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of merchandising professionals.
• Shape seasonal product briefs that balance market needs with brand vision.
• Analyze sales trends and inventory to develop action plans.

Skills

Leadership and management in merchandise planning

Excel and data analysis skills

Strategic thinking

Organizational skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Job description

Head of Buying & Merchandise Planning, ANZ

Ralph Lauren Corporation is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For almost 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets.

At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

Position Overview: Ralph Lauren is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Buying & Merchandise Planning, ANZ. In this senior leadership role, you will partner with the Australian Leadership Team to shape and execute our brand elevating merchandise strategy. As the in-country product lead, you’ll collaborate with our Asia Pacific Merchandising team to align global and regional vision with local execution, delivering the timeless style and elevated experience Ralph Lauren is known for.

Future-Focused Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of merchandising professionals, fostering a collaborative culture that champions consumer insights and customer needs

Market Expert

• Lead local insights on consumer trends, pricing, and competitors
• Shape seasonal product briefs that balance market needs with brand vision
• Partner with APAC Buying & Planning to curate compelling assortments
• Support retail expansion with merchandise plans for new stores and activations

Brand & Strategy Champion

• Built and communicate seasonal strategy cross-functionally with Retail, Marketing, Visual Merchandising and Store Design.
• Deliver impactful product training and storytelling
• Adapt global brand initiatives to drive local relevance and growth
• Analyze sales trends and inventory to develop action plans
• Recommend visual, promotional, and product adjustments to boost performance
• Identify replenishment and incentive opportunities

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Proven leadership and management in merchandise planning within the fashion/apparel retail field
• Exceptional Excel and data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret complex merchandising metrics and financial data to inform decisions
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyze market trends, and develop innovative product strategies
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and shifting priorities effectively
• Proactive & solutions focused approach to identifying opportunities and addressing challenges
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of influencing, presenting, and collaborating across all levels of the organization