General Manager Merchandise - Portmans
Apply now Job no: 799199 Work type: Full time Location: Melbourne - Central Categories: Merchandising - Product
About Portmans
Portmans is one of Australia's most iconic fashion retail brands for women with over 90 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand. Known for offering a wide range of stylish outfit, Portmans focuses on delivering high-quality, on-trend fashion for young women, often with a mix of elevated daywear, workwear and formal styles.
About the Role
The General Manager of Merchandise will partner closely with the Group General Manager to deliver a clear, customer-first merchandising strategy across all product categories. This pivotal leadership role works cross-functionally planning, marketing, and our retail teams to shape our product assortment and optimize pricing and inventory, and drive sales performance. With a strong commercial mindset and deep understanding of the Portmans customer, the GM will also lead Buying and Design teams, vendor relationships and ensure our product and design direction is aligned with both brand vision and evolving market trends — always with the goal of delivering timeless style and lasting value.
What You’ll be Doing
Merchandise Strategy & Planning
Develop and Present seasonal buying/trend strategies that meet margin and performance goals to GGM for approval
Contribute to and lead the mid to long term brand strategy that will be presented to and signed off by GGM and MD
Lead material and finish selections to hit the sweet spot between quality and cost
Partner with planning, supply chain, and merchandise teams to keep efficient product flow
Lead supplier relationships, driving efficiency, timelines, and competitive pricing
Brand & Product Development
Use insights, data, and customer feedback to refine product assortments
Stay ahead of global and local trends to keep Portmans at the forefront of fashion
Oversee fit, quality, and finish to make sure we deliver nothing short of our best
Align OTB to financial goals and ensure category growth across key moments
Financial Performance
Drive post-season reviews to guide future strategy and improve profitability
Monitor trade performance daily and pivot in-season where needed to drive results
Deliver aged stock strategies that reduce markdown risk and maintain margin integrity
Team Leadership
Lead and mentor a high-performing, agile merchandise team with clarity, purpose, and care
Set clear goals, support capability development, and create a positive, solution-focused team culture
Drive continuous improvement and innovation across people, process, and product
About You
At least 7-10 years of experience in Buying/Merchandising, with at least 3-5 years in a senior management position
Proven track record of successful product assortment planning, pricing strategies, and inventory management in a retail setting
Strong knowledge of retail fashion industry trends, consumer behaviours, and competitive dynamics
Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with expertise in sales data analysis and forecasting
Excellent communication and negotiation skills to build relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners
In-depth understanding of financial metrics and budgeting processes
Have a commercially focused and process-driven mindset, identifying opportunities to simplify processes and create efficiencies
Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
High level of attention to detail when it comes to driving excellent quality and value for money for the customer
Proficiency in merchandising software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
If this is the role for you, apply now!
Advertised: 22 Apr 2025 Applications close:
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