Head of Retail

At Tennis Australia, we’re creating a more playful world through tennis – for everyone. 

From grassroots to Grand Slams, tennis brings people together, inspires communities, and builds champions on and off the court. 
 

We’re a team of imaginative and passionate people who believe in the power of sport to make a difference. If you're ready to help us serve up real impact, we’d love to hear from you. 
 

We’re committed to reflecting the communities we work and play in. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disability, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. 
 
About the role 
 

As Head of Retail, you will lead the strategy, commercial growth and execution of Tennis Australia’s retail and licensing portfolio with accountability for growing revenue and profit, identifying and unlocking new commercial opportunities, and building a distinctive and globally relevant retail and licensing proposition. 

A key focus will be evolving the Australian Open from a world-class event brand into a compelling 365-day lifestyle brand—extending its relevance beyond January and creating products, collaborations and experiences that connect with consumers year-round. You will identify opportunities to grow the brand across fashion, sport, culture and lifestyle, developing new categories, partnerships, markets and channels that broaden reach and build long-term brand and commercial value. 

You will strengthen the Australian Open brands through innovative products, partnerships and channels, while delivering exceptional customer experiences across physical, digital and licensed environments. 

In this role you will be responsible for: 

• Developing and executing Tennis Australia's retail and licensing strategies to drive revenue growth, profitability, brand visibility and fan engagement across physical retail, e-commerce and partner channels 
• Leading the development and delivery of innovative, market-leading merchandise ranges and retail experiences that strengthen the Australian Open, Summer of Tennis and Tennis Australia brands globally 
• Managing and growing licensing, supplier and partner relationships, negotiating commercial agreements and identifying new opportunities that enhance brand exposure and deliver first-to-market initiatives 
• Overseeing retail operations, including inventory management, logistics, customer experience and performance optimisation across on-site, off-site and online retail environments 
• Managing, developing and inspiring a high-performing Retail & Licensing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement 
• Leading onsite store design strategy to ensure best in class customer experience, operational and commercial excellence
• Leading in partnership with marketing re-brand of AO shop for next phase of retail transformation   
   

About you 

To be successful in this role you will: 

• Bring extensive leadership experience across retail, product development, merchandising and licensing, ideally gained within large-scale global consumer, retail, or entertainment brands 
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of delivering revenue growth, managing budgets and driving profitable business outcomes 
• Have extensive experience in product development, brand management, retail innovation and visual merchandising, with a deep understanding of local and global retail trends 
• Be a highly effective negotiator and relationship builder, with the ability to develop strategic partnerships and manage complex stakeholder relationships 
• Possess outstanding leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to build, develop and retain high-performing teams 
• Hold (or be willing to obtain) a current Police Check and Working with Children Check 
• Preparedness to be flexible in regard to working hours and arrangements relating to work associated with Tennis Australia 

What’s to love?  

• Career development with a range of formal education and on the job training opportunities 
• Tickets to the Australian Open plus Superbox tickets to events at Rod Laver & John Cain Arena 
• Health & wellbeing benefits, including access to CorePlus Pilates and other wellbeing initiatives 
• Onsite gym, tennis facilities & free onsite car parking  
• Salary packaging & a range of discounts from our sponsorship partners 
• Attractive leave benefits - with up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave for all primary caregivers and Sorry Business and Ceremonial Leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees 
• We are proud to be recognised as an employer of choice for women by WORK180 

 
To Apply