Merchandise Lead

Lead Retail Merchandise Operations for an Iconic Australian Organisation
Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is seeking a fixed term Merchandise Lead to drive the planning, execution and growth of our merchandise program across one of Australia's most recognised sporting and entertainment destinations.
This role is ideal for an experienced retail, merchandise, inventory or event operations professional who is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences, leading high-performing teams, and ensuring seamless retail operations across major events including the Melbourne Cup Carnival and Cox Plate. This role combines hands-on operational execution with commercial and strategic oversight.
About the RoleReporting to the Executive General Manager - Customer, you will lead the end-to-end merchandise function, ensuring the successful planning, delivery and optimisation of merchandise operations across race days, retail outlets, online channels and special events.
Working closely with teams across Customer, Events, Operations, Marketing and Commercial Partnerships, you will oversee inventory management, retail readiness, visual merchandising, online fulfilment and race day execution while identifying opportunities to enhance customer engagement and commercial performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesMerchandise Program LeadershipLead the planning and delivery of the VRC merchandise program across retail and online channelsDrive operational excellence across merchandise stores, activations and event environmentsManage inventory oversight, stock allocation and replenishment processesEnsure merchandise operations support strategic growth and commercial objectivesBuild strong relationships with suppliers, vendors and key stakeholdersIdentify opportunities to improve merchandise performance, customer experience and profitabilityRetail Operations & Inventory ManagementOversee day-to-day operations of merchandise retail outletsManage stock allocation, replenishment and inventory tracking across multiple locationsMonitor stock levels and product availability between race days and eventsCoordinate stock counts, reconciliation processes and inventory reportingSupport merchandise movement between locations to maximise sales opportunitiesEnsure stores are fully stocked, organised and operationally readyOnline Store & FulfilmentManage merchandise products across the online store platformOversee online sales fulfilment, including packing, distribution and customer deliveriesEnsure timely and accurate order processing for all online salesMonitor online merchandise performance and customer feedbackIdentify opportunities to enhance the online shopping experienceRace Day & Event DeliveryLead merchandise operations across all VRC race days and major events, including the Melbourne Cup CarnivalCoordinate merchandise requirements for activations and events both at Flemington and external locationsSupport event setup and pack down, including retail outlet preparation and merchandising displaysEnsure product availability and retail readiness across all event environmentsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless customer experiencesVisual Merchandising & Customer ExperienceLead the execution of visual merchandising standards across all retail locationsMonitor store presentation and ensure displays reflect brand standardsProvide exceptional customer service and sales supportSupport customers with product enquiries and purchasing decisionsCreate engaging retail experiences that drive customer satisfaction and revenue outcomesPeople Leadership & Team PerformanceLead and support the casual merchandise team across race days and eventsProvide effective team briefings, coaching and operational directionFoster a collaborative, customer-focused and high-performing team cultureSupport workforce planning and resource allocation during peak event periodsDrive team engagement and accountability to achieve operational and sales targets
What You’ll BringDemonstrated experience in retail operations, merchandise management, inventory control or a related fieldExperience managing merchandise programs across physical and/or online retail environmentsStrong understanding of stock management, replenishment and inventory processesExperience working with suppliers, fulfilment partners and retail stakeholdersSound commercial acumen with a focus on sales performance and customer outcomesStrong leadership skills and experience coordinating frontline or casual teamsProficiency using POS systems and retail management toolsExcellent organisation and project management capabilitiesStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, event-driven environmentA proactive, hands-on and solutions-focused approach
What’s on OfferPlay a key role in delivering merchandise experiences for iconic events including the Melbourne Cup CarnivalLead and grow a highly visible retail function within one of Australia's most recognised brandsWork in a fast-paced and exciting events environmentOpportunity to influence commercial performance and customer experience outcomesJoin a passionate, collaborative and high-performing teamBuild your career within a landmark sporting and entertainment organisation
Our ValuesAt VRC, our people are guided by shared values:Think VRC — We deliver with one purpose and plan as one team.Create Joy — We design experiences that bring joy to our members, customers and each other.Be Gutsy — We honour our heritage while being brave and curious about the future.F‑Learn — We learn from setbacks and treat them as opportunities for growth.Care Deeply — We genuinely care about our people, members, customers and community.
How to ApplyWhen submitting your application, please include your résumé and any other supporting documents.
You must have the legal right to work in Australia.Appointment to the role is subject to meeting the Victoria Racing Club’s employment requirements, which may include (but are not limited to) reference checks, and a National Criminal History Check.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.