Commercial Operations Manager

David Jones exists to inspire like no other and as we continue to deliver on our ambitious transformation agenda in line with our Vision 2025+ strategy, we are committed to creating inspired careers so our people can Thrive. 

The ROLE

The Commercial Operations Manager will support the General Manager in effectively establishing, implementing, and managing financial reporting, systems, processes, and administration. This role ensures the smooth operation and trading of the aligned department in line with both the company strategy and broader business requirements. The position is critical in driving operational excellence, financial performance, and strategic alignment across the commercial functions of the business.

What YOUR DAY LOOKS LIKE

 Customer Obsessed & Delivering Service Like No Other

• Oversee the successful implementation of the agreed space strategy, ensuring alignment with the company’s space optimisation goals.
• Collaborate with Space Planning, Real Estate Development, stores, and safety teams on new floor fixtures, installations, and approvals.
• Drive the implementation of space initiatives in conjunction with key stakeholders.
• Oversee the implementation of the department’s marketing plans, ensuring seamless alignment with the company’s Marketing Plan.
• Collaborate with the GM, Marketing Manager, and Buying teams to develop tactical plans that support strategic business objectives.
• Assist in the development of high-level marketing programs for GM approval that deliver financial imperatives for the business.
• Ensure timely execution of all marketing activities by the Marketing Team.
• Conduct Post Event analysis and present recommendations for future marketing activities to the GM.

Driving Commercial & Operational Achievement

• Establish and monitor seasonal and annual budgets for the department.
• Lead and manage the department’s forecasting process to ensure alignment with financial goals.
• Implement the division’s planning strategy to achieve the value proposition objective.
• Manage the department’s Open-to-Buy (OTB) process and purchase order authorisation.
• Work with Merchandise Planners to manage, report on, and analyse Buyer sales, gross profit (GP), and stock forecasts.
• Establish, implement, and report on assortment planning processes in conjunction with the General Manager.
• Ensure financial outcomes are met by working closely with Merchandise Planners to manage purchased quantities.
• Establish financial relations with all department suppliers in partnership with the General Manager and Buying Manager.
• Report supplier performance, monitor policies, and recommend improvements.
• Provide recommendations to Merchandise Planners, Buyers, and Buying Managers to ensure that basic stock policies are adhered to.
• Ensure business operations are conducted within agreed financial parameters, ensuring targets are met.
• Monitor department marketing expenditure to ensure it aligns with the agreed budget.
• Ensure all projects are implemented within the agreed financial parameters and spend.

Leading Self, Leading & Empowering Others

• Embrace and support company changes, assisting teams through transitions.
• Identify development needs for the team and address them by providing appropriate developmental opportunities.
• Demonstrate leadership by prioritising team and company goals over individual objectives.
• Develop the capability of team members, ensuring alignment with both current and future business needs.
• Develop and maintain successful relationships with Concession vendors.
• Collaborate with the Concessions Manager to implement key initiatives and strategies.
• Manage the contract renewal process for Concession vendors and oversee supplier installations.
• Lead self to ensure empowered, capable and accountable to deliver priorities
• Promote a thriving team culture, with a focus on achievement, empowerment, inclusivity and innovation that values continuous learning and our customer being at the heart of all that we do
• Partner cross functionally to ensure shared success and champion best practice, while indirectly building capability and confidence across the business.

What YOU’LL NEED TO THRIVE

• Leadership & Team Management: Strong ability to lead cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and ensure consistent performance against strategic goals.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to analyse and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial performance to drive business success.
• Operational Expertise: Extensive experience in managing supply chains, inventory, and purchase order systems to meet financial and operational targets.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with all levels of the business and external parties.
• Problem Solving: Ability to address operational challenges and implement process improvements.

Why work for us?

Our purpose at David Jones is to ‘inspire like no other’, and culturally we aspire to be THRIVING.  In our thriving culture, our people will be at their best as individuals and as teams.  Our thriving cultural foundations are defined by the behaviours each and every one of us display.  It’s our commitment and responsibility to ensure that as individuals and as a collective, that we are living our cultural foundations.

• Unique opportunity to be part of a highly engaged, successful team, focused on the transformation of an iconic Australian brand
• A competitive remuneration package including performance-based incentives
• Hybrid working arrangements in office and from home that provide appropriate work/life balance
• Parental leave policy of 18-weeks paid leave for the primary carer, and 3-weeks paid leave for the supporting partner
• Generous employee discounts across David Jones and access to partner benefits
• An additional day of leave for your birthday along with time to support charitable work
• Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
• Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices, driving change in the retail landscape
• Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

About Us

Since 1838, David Jones’ limitless quest for innovation and progress established the brand as Australia’s original influencer in fashion and lifestyle. Having revolutionised the way Australians shop, David Jones’ creation of a social centre inspired and created lasting memories for past, present and future generations. Today, our vision to inspire Like No Other drives us to continue this legacy in our ambitious purpose to be the destination that inspires, with experiences and services Like No Other.

Our Thriving cultural pillars inspire our people to deliver on our vision and purpose.  We are Customer Obsessed; curious to understand and dedicated to delighting them with seamless solutions as one team. We care for our people, customers, partners and community by creating Inclusive environments through belonging and respect. We Empower with implied trust to act with integrity, value our unique skills and be accountable for our decisions.  We constantly seek Innovative ways of improving, changing and exploring ways that we can inspire.

David Jones is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.