Reporting to the General Manager, Merchandise & Planning, the Senior Category Manager is responsible for the end-to-end performance of key product categories, with a strong focus on supplier partnerships, commercial outcomes, and sustainable growth.
This role plays a critical part in shaping category strategy, driving supplier performance, and delivering value to customers through well-executed ranging, pricing, and trading decisions. This is a commercially focused position centred on supplier management, negotiation, and category performance.
Key accountabilities
Category strategy & performance
Develop and execute category strategies that deliver sales growth, margin targets, and market competitiveness
Monitor category performance, identifying risks and opportunities to optimise range, pricing, and promotions
Use data and insights to make informed, commercially sound decisions
Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with key suppliers and brand partners
Lead regular supplier reviews, performance tracking, and joint business planning
Drive accountability through clear KPIs, service levels, and commercial outcomes
Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, rebates, trading terms, and long-term agreements
Identify opportunities to improve margin, reduce costs, and enhance overall category profitability
Source new suppliers and products to strengthen the category offer and mitigate risk
Range planning & execution
Develop customer-led assortments aligned to category strategy and brand positioning
Continuously review and optimise range performance, balancing innovation with core lines
Partner with Planning to ensure the right stock levels, forecasting accuracy,



and availability
Cross-functional collaboration
Work closely with Planning, Supply Chain, Finance, Digital, and Store Operations to deliver category outcomes
Provide clear commercial insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders
Support execution of category plans across all channels
Risk, compliance & governance
Ensure supplier compliance with ethical sourcing standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies
Proactively identify and manage supply chain risks
Maintain accurate systems, pricing, and product data integrity
Mentor and develop a buyer and buying assistant, promoting best-practice buying
About you
You're a commercially driven Category Manager who thrives on building strong supplier partnerships and delivering measurable results.
You'll bring:
Proven experience in category management, buying, or commercial roles within retail
Strong supplier management and negotiation capability, with a track record of delivering commercial outcomes
Highly developed commercial acumen with experience managing sales, margin, and category performance
Analytical mindset with the ability to turn data into actionable insights
Ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders




Strong planning and prioritisation skills in a fast-paced environment
A customer-first mindset, with an understanding of retail trends and behaviours
*Please note this role is internally referred to as a Senior Buyer
What's in it for you
We're accelerating our growth across Australia and New Zealand - when we grow, you grow!
Training pathways designed to encourage personal growth and professional development
Employee discount - enjoy outstanding savings across our range
Family discount to support the people who matter most
Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary carers
Annual flu shots to help keep you healthy
Hybrid working - 3 days in the office, 2 days from home for better balance
A dynamic, friendly team environment where you'll be challenged and supported to achieve personal and business goals
Access to our Employee Assistance Program for additional wellbeing support
About Us
Baby Bunting is Australia's largest nursery specialty retailer, but we're much more than that. We're a growing community dedicated to supporting parents through every step of their journey.
Our purpose? To share in the joy and provide support through the challenges of raising little ones by empowering parents to make the best choices for their families.
Please note;
Every employer in Australia has the obligation to ensure that employees have the relevant working rights. All successful applicants will need to undergo a Right to Work check.
Due to the intimate and personal nature of our work, successful applicants will also need to undergo a National Police Criminal History check.
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📌 Senior Category Managerhybrid (Melbourne)
🏢 Baby Bunting
📍 Melbourne