Womenswear Merchant - maternity leave contract

Primary PurposeThe Merchant (Womenswear) position is accountable for the Merchandise function across Australia and New Zealand and is principally responsible for the product assortment across Women's Bottoms, Women's Tops and Accessories.The Merchant will provide an educated point of view on the consumer, market dynamics, cultural influences, trend and competitor / marketplace intelligence. These insights will deliver briefs for market requirements, drive the assortment, and deliver profitable, successful collections for ANZ.The Merchant further supports key operational requirements for Merchandising success, including but not limited to: Sample Management, Training & Tools and Briefings.ResponsibilitiesThe Merchant leads a range of Merchandising functions. These include, but are not limited to:Create consumer right, future facing product assortmentsExecute Collection release activities (GTM, Sales Launch & Customer Meetings)Strategize and implement brand / product strategiesMerchandising Ops -Sample Management (manage flow & ordering of samples, photoshoot and marketing support, sample sales, and sample room organization)Product Expert - materials, tools & samples to cross functional partners (Sales, Marketing & Planning)Staff Training & Roadshows / DTC Tools (Womenswear & Tier 1)Partner closely with the DTC team to monitor, strategize and execute successDrive Wholesale Assortments for continued momentum & growthOffer input to the Annual, Financial and Strategic Customer PlansStay informed on local customer trends and what is selling both globally and regionallyVery strong communication skills - includes presentation, influencing and negotiation skillsCollaborates with partners to execute the brand visionReporting RelationshipsThe Merchant reports to the Merchandising Lead, ANZ.The Merchant will liaise extensively with:Senior Management TeamDirect-to-Consumer TeamKey Account ManagersPlanning & AllocationsMarketing TeamRegional & Global Merchandising TeamsRole RequirementsThe Merchant will have a proven ability to demonstrate the following:Strong commercial aptitudeCreative, strong interpersonal & communication skillsWork collaboratively and cross-functionally to build brand-led future strategiesExcellent planning and organizational skillsKnowledge of cost of goods / product development (generalist)Ability to perform volume forecastingDemonstrates flexibility and initiative with minimal directionWorks on problems of a diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factorsProficiency with MS Office applications (Excel -advanced, Word & Powerpoint)QualificationsBachelor's degree in related discipline (5+ years combined college education and work experience may be substituted for a degree)LOCATIONLevel 7, 11 Eastern Road, South Melbourne, VIC, 3205FULL TIME/PART TIMEFull timeCurrent LS&Co Employees, apply via your Workday account.