Merchandise Lead (fixed term)

Merchandise Lead
Reporting to: Executive General Manager – Customer
Purpose
The Merchandise Lead role is responsible for leading the operations of Merchandise function, with a focus on end-to-end planning and execution of the program, to effectively contribute to seamless delivery and strategic growth.
The role will lead inventory overview, stock allocation, visual merchandising, retail store set-up, customer engagement, online sales and distribution and event-day operations. Working across major race day events, including the Melbourne Cup Carnival and Cox Plate.
Stakeholders
Internal: Executive team, department heads, managers, Board of Directors, and the broader VRC team.
External: VRC members, customers, clients, suppliers, vendors, and relevant industry networks and associations.
Focus

Support the day-to-day operation of merchandise retail outlets
Assist with bump in and bump out of stock and shelving
Support retail readiness to ensure stores are full stocked and
Assist with the preparation, allocation and event delivery for events and activations outside Flemington
Assist with stock allocation, replenishment and inventory tracking
Support stock counts and reconciliation processes
Assist with stock movement between locations depending on sales
Monitor product availability between race days and events, maintaining an up to date understanding of stock levels and product locations
Assist with merchandise displays and visual merchandising execution
Support set up and pack down for each race day and other pop-up events
Conduct store checks to ensure presentation standards are maintained
Manage product through the online store
Manage the sales and distribution including packing and postage
Lead the casual merchandise team on race day, provide effective briefing and support
Provide customer service and sales support within merchandise outlets
Assist customer with product enquiries and purchases

Success Measures (KPIs)

Effective delivery of the merchandise program
Timely distribution of online sales
Sales targets achieved
Team engagement and delivery of race day roles

Core Capabilities

Extensive understanding and experience with suppliers, licensees, fulfilment centres, digital and physical stores.
A collaborative approach with a focus on operational excellence and execution.
Excellent written, verbal communication, facilitation, presentation and interpersonal skills.
Proficient user of POS systems
Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
Strong working relationships and ability to use expertise and knowledge to influence the best outcomes.
Aptitude for problem solving.
Open to constructive feedback and exhibit a drive for personal growth and development.
Can-do attitude and positive contributor to culture.
Support an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and feedback is encouraged, constructive, and solution focused.
Contribute to a positive and respectful team environment that values open communication, creative collaboration and mutual support.
Manage workload effectively, with support from leaders, to balance high-quality output with personal wellbeing.

Values
Think VRC: We deliver with one purpose and plan. We’re one VRC team.
Create Joy: We design every experience, for our members, customers and each other, to create joy.
Be Gutsy: We are grounded in our heritage; we’re brave and curious in our pursuit of a bigger future.
F-Learn: We fail but learn, treating setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Care Deeply: We genuinely care about each other: our people, our members, are customers and our community.