David Jones’ recruitment blitz

DAVID Jones has quietly begun what is expected to be a major recruitment drive to fill its new corporate headquarters in Melbourne.

The department store chain has begun advertising for more than 30 positions to be based in its new regional head office in Richmond.

Roles include a real estate strategy analyst, food buyers, visual merchandise specialists, IT analysts and campaign specialists. Some positions ask applicants to be open to start- ing in Sydney before moving to Melbourne.

The recruitment drive is expected to spark a local talent war with Melbourne and Geelong together hosting the headquarters of Myer, Premier Investments, Sussan Group, Harris Scarfe, Cotton On Group, Kmart and Target.

South African retail conglomerate Woolworths Holdings announced last year it was combining the David Jones and Country Road Group head offices into a new purpose- built building in Melbourne. It is scheduled to be completed in August next year and will bring 600 David Jones jobs to the city.

David Jones, headed by chief John Dixon, expects to hire more than 200 new workers in corporate functions as it steps up its offerings in areas such as gourmet food.

“The relocation ... is progressing well with a positive response ahead of expectations from the Sydney team,” a spokesman said.