Reporting to our Head of Retail, partnering closely with the brand Head of Visual Merchandise and Regional Managers, The VM Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the translation of brand visual merchandising guidebooks into impactful store-specific floor plans that respect regional nuances and individual layouts. This role will coach and develop VM Area Managers and store teams on all aspects of VM, ensuring they confidently balance creative expression with brand standards and data-driven decisions with store operational requirements and customer needs.
Key Accountabilities
* Partner with VM Creative team to receive and provide feedback on the "guidebooks" for new drops and any other instructions for store team execution, keeping an understanding of the products, collection brief and brand strategy
* Ensure VM guidelines are customised effectively while maintaining creative guardrails and brand standards
* Oversee VM Area Managers in providing detailed guidance on store layouts, ensuring consistency across all regions
* Identify the right metrics and KPI's to assess VM success (e.g. financial, operational and customer KPI's), driving toward the best possible outcomes through VM Field team
* Foster a culture of ownership and accountability by empowering store teams to confidently execute and uphold VM standards
* Contribute to brand's VM strategy definition, bringing the store operational lends to identify ways to simplify and optimise the VM process and to ensure the brand activation calendar can be executed flawlessly by store teams
* Demonstrate relentless focus and commitment to delivering our strategic blueprint together, always acting in the best interest of the group.
Key Capabilities
* Senior experience in a VM leadership role, with a focus on multi-store/state management or regional VM operations
* Proven experience in coaching and developing teams, particularly in visual merchandising roles
* Strong project management skills, with a history of delivering VM initiatives within set timelines and budgets
* Strong commercial acumen, with a deep understanding of profitability levers and how VM impacts sales
* In-depth knowledge of customer journeys and behaviour and how VM influences these
* Ability to use VM software tools and digital floor planning systems to create and customise store layouts
* A strong ability to balance the 'art vs science' of VM, combining visual creativity with data-driven decisions and operational requirements
* Effective in delivering clear, constructive feedback and strategic guidance to teams and stakeholders.
Why work for us
The Country Road Group is one of Australasia's largest Lifestyle Brand Houses comprising of iconic brands such as Country Road, POLITIX, Trenery, Witchery and MIMCO. Here are some of the great things we offer:
* Generous employee discounts across our House of Brands
* Seasonal clothing allowance
* An additional day of leave for your birthday
* An Industry leading Parental Leave Program
* Flexible working arrangements to support work/life balance
* Annual learning calendar to support the ongoing development of our team
* Support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility Program
* We are committed to operating ethically, sustainably, and responsibly.
About Politix
For over 50 years now, POLITIX has helped men make their mark. Getting to know the person behind the suit, the blazer, the shirt – and dressing them in garments that pair skilful design with time-honoured craftsmanship.
The end result? A wardrobe that offers the ultimate fit – and elevates his personal style too.
Today, we continue to set a higher standard for expert tailoring, sustainable garment-making and customer service. And we see every occasion – no matter the dress code – as another opportunity to explore and express your unique style. So you can leave a lasting impression on everyone you cross paths with.
So how are we helping you make your mark?
Want to join our team? Visit to see current career opportunities.