The role

The Head of Sustainability is responsible for developing and implementing the Country Road Group sustainability strategy, in line with our parent company WHL vision of being the most responsible retailer in the world.

This is done by entrenching commitment to the WHL Good Business Journey (GBJ) and the inherent plans and targets, as well as ensuring all enablers for achieving the company commitments are in place through training, awareness, marketing, stakeholder engagement and the tracking of benefits of the programme.

Reporting to the GM of Sourcing and Supply Chain, you will also focus on environment and product initiatives aligned to the delivery of specific customer, community and product sustainability priorities for our organisation that inspire like no other.

Based in Melbourne with a hybrid mix of time in the office and from home, this role will suit a highly commercially astute and passionate sustainability leader.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Development, delivery and execution of the CRG sustainability strategy; as well as overseeing the implementation of the strategy through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Partner with the Executive team and deliver the brands targets and measurement of progress for the GBJ;
• Integrate the GBJ plans and targets into strategy and balanced scorecards
• Partner with and provide strategic advice to executive teams on sustainability opportunities
• Inspire, coach and develop a small and diverse team of specialists
• Identify and problem solve for issues that present risk or reputational damage to the Country Road Group
• Ensure transparent and on-going communication and reporting of Strategy outcomes as well as maintaining a high level of compliance with best practice industry standards and expectations

The Ideal Candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading sustainability efforts within a commercial environment with a scientific, technical or legal understanding of key sustainability issues
• Experience partnering with NGOs, not for profits or sustainable business projects
• A passion to create a strategic vision that can inspire our people, customers and community
• Strong interpersonal skills to influence key internal and external stakeholders including executive teams
• Dedicated programme management experience that delivers sustainable business change
• Experience working in and/or appreciation of sustainability considerations within the retail/consumer space highly regarded

Why work for us?

• A competitive remuneration package, including an annual bonus incentive
• Generous employee discounts across David Jones, Country Road, Mimco, Trenery, Witchery & POLITIX brands
• Hybrid working arrangements in office and from home that provide appropriate work/life balance
• An additional day of leave for your birthday
• A supportive, highly flexible and engaging environment that will support personal and professional development
• Opportunities to support community partnerships across our Corporate Social Responsibility program
• Be a member of a company committed to sustainable practices
• Ongoing training and development to pursue individual ambitions

About Us

David Jones and the Country Road Group is Australasia’s largest department store and fashion retail group comprising of iconic brands such as David Jones, Country Road, POLITIX, Trenery, Witchery and MIMCO. Our Values include being Customer Obsessed, Collaborative, Inspirational, Responsible and Dedicated to Quality. We are looking for highly motivated and passionate individuals to be part of the Group’s evolution and support each brand to realise their full potential.

David Jones & Country Road Group 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.