Inge Clements
Brisbane,Australia
Summary
Dynamic and globally experienced Head of Merchandising, with a strong track record of delivering strategic and financial results across jewellery, fashion, homewares, and gifting. Expert in driving product innovation, building data-led assortments, and managing the full product lifecycle from development to delivery. Known for leading high-performing teams, building supplier relationships, and translating market trends into commercially successful product strategies.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Merchandising
Wallace Bishop & Hardy Brothers
Brisbane, Australia
05.2024 - Current
- Executive leadership role reporting to the COO, overseeing Buying, Planning, and Merchandise Operations for both Wallace Bishop and Hardy Brothers.
- Develop and implement strategic merchandise plans across multiple categories, aligning financial targets with customer needs, brand positioning, and emerging market trends.
- Own the merchandise financial framework, including seasonal budgeting, gross margin oversight, inventory management, and pricing strategies.
- Direct the product lifecycle from ideation through sell-through, ensuring assortments balanced innovation, fashion trends, and commercial performance.
- Manage key supplier and vendor partnerships, negotiate favourable terms, and sourced exclusive products to strengthen brand differentiation and margin.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Marketing, Logistics, and Retail to drive seamless product launches, optimize stock flow, and enhance customer experience.
- Provide hands-on leadership to Buying and Planning teams, cultivating a performance-driven culture and developing future merchandising talent.
- Contribute to executive-level strategy by identifying business opportunities, mitigating risk, and supporting scalable operational growth.
Senior Buyer
Michael Hill Jewellery
Brisbane, Australia
12.2020 - 04.2024
- Developed and executed seasonal product strategies to surpass business targets and customer expectations.
- Managed budgeted sales, ensuring positive like-for-like growth and optimal stock levels.
- Led project evolution from range review to uncover new assortment opportunities.
- Created comprehensive line plans, driving innovative jewellery assortments that differentiate the business.
- Analyzed sales data for existing product lines to adjust store grades and improve stock performance.
- Cultivated supplier relationships through contracts, quarterly reviews, and sourcing of new suppliers.
- Communicated effectively with stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and departments to align objectives.
- Implemented a four-pillar strategy to enhance operational synergies and efficiencies.
Senior Buyer
IsAlbi
Sydney, Australia
08.2020 - 11.2020
- Managed product development for new categories including Health & Wellness, Eco, Tech, Outdoor, and Executive Gifting.
- Launched Grand Designs Kitchen and Altima Sunglasses ranges.
- Partnered with Design, Wholesale, and QC teams to drive performance.
- Led new supplier sourcing and team development.
Buying, Planning, Production & Logistics Manager
Tigerlily
Sydney, Australia
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Reported to CEO, leading cross-functional teams across Buying, Planning, and Production.
- Managed OTB and developed seasonal strategies for growth.
- Ensured pricing alignment with market trends and sustained supplier relations.
- Drove sustainability initiatives and post-season analysis.
Director
Consultancy (Self-employed)
Sydney, Australia
01.2016 - 12.2019
- Led brand creation and end-to-end sourcing for fashion, jewellery, baby, and homeware clients.
- Negotiated contracts, built supplier relationships, and managed logistics.
- Delivered eCommerce content creation aligned with brand briefs.
Buying Manager: Womenswear & Accessories
MARCS
Sydney, Australia
01.2010 - 12.2015
- Managed full-category buying across apparel and accessories within OTB targets.
- Led Buying, Production, and QA teams.
- Conducted range reviews, trend translation, and performance analysis.
- Collaborated with Planning, Design, Marketing, and VM.
Junior Buyer
Debenhams
London, UK
01.2007 - 12.2010
- Sourced and developed in-house brands B by Ted Baker, J by Jasper Conran, MW by Matthew Williamson, Reger by Janet Reger, Gorgeous DD+, Seduction, and Limited Edition.
- Executed product selection for Calvin Klein, DKNY, Gossard, Triumph, Wonderbra, Ballet, Cleo by Panache, Elomi, Fantasie, Freya, Panache, Masquerade, and Ultimo.
- Led sourcing initiatives for multiple in-house brands to enhance market presence.
- Conducted meticulous product selection across renowned brands to align with consumer trends.
Assistant Buyer
BHS
London, UK
01.2006 - 12.2007
- Facilitated sourcing and product development for Children's Branded (Disney) and Private Label Sleepwear & Underwear
Assistant Buyer
French Connection
London, UK
01.2003 - 12.2006
- Contributed to selection and range planning for Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear, Great Plains (mail order), and Accessories featuring Swimwear, Footwear, Bags & Belts, Headwear, Sunglasses, Scarves, Jewellery, Beauty & Fragrance.
Education
BA (Hons) - Fashion Management
London College of Fashion – University of the Arts London
LondonFashion and Sustainability Certificate -
London College of Fashion – University of the Arts London
LondonDiploma in Clothing Production & Pattern Making -
Northlink College
Cape TownHigh School Diploma -
Rhenish Girls' High School
StellenboschSkills
- Product innovation, creation, and lifecycle management
- Merchandise planning and inventory management
- Strategic vision and data-driven decision-making
- Supplier negotiation and management
- Financial analysis and sales forecasting
- Scaling product strategies
Timeline
Head of Merchandising
Wallace Bishop & Hardy Brothers
05.2024 - Current
Senior Buyer
Michael Hill Jewellery
12.2020 - 04.2024
Senior Buyer
IsAlbi
08.2020 - 11.2020
Buying, Planning, Production & Logistics Manager
Tigerlily
01.2020 - 07.2020
Director
Consultancy (Self-employed)
01.2016 - 12.2019
Buying Manager: Womenswear & Accessories
MARCS
01.2010 - 12.2015
Junior Buyer
Debenhams
01.2007 - 12.2010
Assistant Buyer
BHS
01.2006 - 12.2007
Assistant Buyer
French Connection
01.2003 - 12.2006
BA (Hons) - Fashion Management
London College of Fashion – University of the Arts London
Fashion and Sustainability Certificate -
London College of Fashion – University of the Arts London
Diploma in Clothing Production & Pattern Making -
Northlink College
High School Diploma -
Rhenish Girls' High School
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