Category Manager

- Lead category strategy, product development and commercial performance.
- Work with local manufacturers and overseas suppliers to build competitive ranges.
- Furniture experience is not essential—strong retail buying expertise is.

About the opportunity

An established Australian retailer based in Sydney's inner south-west is seeking a commercially driven Category Manager to lead its Lounge and Occasional categories.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of the range, from product concept and sourcing through to pricing and performance. You'll use your commercial expertise, customer insights and supplier relationships to develop competitive, affordable products that drive sales and profitable growth. We welcome experience across general merchandise, homewares, private label and other retail categories.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Merchandise Officer, you'll develop and execute the category strategy, delivering against sales and gross profit targets while maintaining quality, value and appropriate stock levels. You'll work closely with local manufacturing teams, overseas suppliers and internal stakeholders across Planning, Marketing, Digital, Retail Operations, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance. You'll also coach and develop a Trainee Buyer.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Building customer-focused ranges with clear price points and strong commercial returns.
- Leading product development to meet target retail prices, costs and margins.
- Negotiating supplier pricing, trading terms and delivery commitments.




- Developing productive relationships with local and international suppliers.
- Identifying market trends, range gaps and opportunities for growth.
- Analysing sales, margin and inventory performance and acting on the results.
- Working with Planning to manage availability and underperforming products.
- Ensuring new products meet quality and safety requirements.

About you

You're an experienced retail buyer or category manager who understands what drives customer demand and category profitability. You're confident negotiating with suppliers, challenging costs and making commercial decisions backed by data. You'll bring:

- Substantial experience in retail buying or category management.
- Product development experience, ideally with own-brand ranges or products developed to a target price.
- A proven record of improving costs, margins or supplier terms.
- An understanding of value-conscious customers and competitive pricing.
- Strong analytical and Excel skills.
- Clear communication and the ability to influence stakeholders and develop others.
- Furniture or upholstery knowledge would be helpful, but is not a requirement.

Why consider this role?

You'll have ownership of a visible category and the opportunity to influence the products customers see in stores. Direct access to manufacturing and supplier partners gives you scope to shape the range, improve value and make a measurable commercial impact.

Apply now with your CV outlining your buying, product development and commercial achievements.

📌 Category Manager (Parramatta)
🏢 PeopleScout
📍 Parramatta