Job Description

What's in it for You?
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- Own a high-growth adventure category – shape the national strategy for 4x4, touring & roof racks across a major retail network.
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- Be the category voice – lead range, pricing and promotions in one of retail’s most passionate customer segments
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- Accelerate your career – a visible, commercial role in a role with broad exposure and genuine progression opportunities for performers
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- Build powerful partnerships – work directly with leading brands, the private label team and suppliers to secure innovation, exclusives & strong commercial term
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- Real rewards – competitive salary, flexibility, ongoing development and a workplace that values initiative and balance
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- South-East location & flexibility: Modern, open, collaborative offices designed for connection — with balance built in for how you work best.
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Who you’ll be joiningn
n You’ll be part of a large, well-established retail group known for offering customers high-quality automotive aftermarket, 4x4 and touring products across a broad national store network. This is a business experiencing significant transformation — investing in people, technology, data, private brand development, supplier partnerships and customer experience to take its merchandise category functions to the next level.n
n The culture is supportive, collaborative and commercially driven. You’ll join a Merchandise team that encourages fresh thinking, values commercially grounded ideas and empowers Category Managers to create retail offers that resonate with customers and deliver results.n
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What you’ll leadn
n As the Category Manager – 4x4, Touring & Roof Racks, you’ll take full ownership of a highly visible, fast-moving and enthusiast-driven category.n
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Your scope includes:
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- Range & assortment strategy – build compelling ranges across branded and private label products
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- Pricing & profitability – deliver competitive pricing while meeting sales, margin & growth targets
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- Promotional planning – manage supplier-funded activity,



campaign selections & execution
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- Supplier partnerships – negotiate, secure commercial terms, strengthen relationships & identify innovations
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- Inventory & stock flow – manage DC inventory, exit plans, and stock-on-hand thresholds
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- Store engagement – share insights, communicate range decisions & support successful execution
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- Data-driven insights – use customer, sales & competitor data to refine strategy and identify new opportunities
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- Team capability – develop and mentor your Assistant Category Manager, supporting their progression
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How you’ll make an impact
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- Build & deliver growth plans aligned to customer needs and commercial objectives
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- Manage pricing files, category performance and competitive reviews
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- Oversee promotional execution and measure campaign effectiveness
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- Lead supplier negotiations, rebates and long-term commercial agreements
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- Provide clear, insight-led recommendations based on market, customer and competitor analysis
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- Improve operational efficiencies across inventory, demand planning & DC processes
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- Partner closely with marketing to deliver robust customer-facing campaigns
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- Drive category innovation & push continuous improvement
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What you’ll bring
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- Proven experience - in retail category management and buying – all backgrounds will be considered however those with category experience in hardgoods, outdoor, hardware, automotive and/or lifestyle products will be viewed favourably
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- Strong commercial judgement — pricing, margin, forecasting & financial acumen
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- Excellent negotiation & supplier relationship management skills - this is a given!
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- Analytical capability — you work confidently with data and insights
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- A customer-first mindset and an eye for product storytelling
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- A proactive, curious approach — prepared to challenge, refine and improve
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- Experience developing and coaching others is highly valued
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If this sounds like you, APPLY now or if you have further questions, contact Gabby Symons at [email protected] or 0432 261 116 for a confidential conversation.

📌 Category Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 People Equity
📍 Melbourne