- Be part of the next chapter of growth for RSPCA Victoria's Retail & Op Shop Network!

- More than merchandise. More than retail. More than a job. Deliver impact far beyond the checkout

- Every product range & supplier partnership contributes to vital funding that gives a second chance to animals who need it most

12 month Fixed Term Part Time Contract | 4 days per week

About RSPCA Victoria

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is ‘to exist for animals to live better lives’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation.

Our organisation’s vision is to have ‘a world where animals and people live together with dignity, respect and compassion’. RSPCA’s values – show compassion, lead the way, act with courage and seek positive outcomes – set clear expectations for all our employees and volunteers.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to join our Commercial Enterprises team and play a key role in growing our retail offering. As our Merchandise Buyer / Planner, you will take ownership of the entire merchandise lifecycle, from sourcing and range development through to forecasting, inventory management and performance analysis, while expanding our purchased-product offer across a growing network of Op Shops throughout Victoria.

Working closely with Operations, Marketing, Finance and store teams, you'll identify customer trends, source exciting new products, manage supplier relationships and ensure the right products are available at the right time and in the right locations. You'll be responsible for developing and optimising purchased-product ranges across our retail channels, driving sales, margin and inventory performance through effective buying and merchandise planning.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Merchandise Buying & Range Development: Develop and grow commercially successful product ranges across our Retail and Op Shop Network, driving sales and enhancing customer experience

- Planning & Inventory Management: Manage forecasting, Open to Buy and inventory performance to maximise sales, margin and stock efficiency

- Supplier and Commercial Management: Build strong supplier partnerships,



source new products and negotiate commercial agreements, that deliver value and profitability

- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with Operations, Marketing, Finance and Op Shop Store teams to deliver engaging product offers and successful retail initiatives

- Growth & Innovation: Identify new product opportunities, support eCommerce growth and continuously improve merchandising processes and performance

- Leadership & Team Support: Provide day-to-day leadership and support to our Retail Assistants, fostering a collaborative and customer-focused environment

What we are looking for from you

You are a commercially focused retail professional who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You thrive on analysing performance data, identifying opportunities for growth and bringing new products and ideas to market.

You'll bring

- Demonstrated experience in merchandise buying, merchandise planning or category management.
- Strong commercial acumen and experience managing sales, gross margin and inventory performance.
- Experience with forecasting, Open to Buy planning and stock management.
- Proven supplier sourcing, negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven mindset.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
The ability to work autonomously while building effective relationships across multiple teams.

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Highly Regarded

- Experience in a multi-site retail environment.
- Experience establishing new product ranges or categories.
- Experience across both physical retail and eCommerce.
- Experience in private-label or exclusive product development.
Qualifications in Business, Retail, Merchandising or a related discipline.

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Recruitment Requirements

- Current and valid driver’s license
National Police Check





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What's on offer?

- Genuine Work-Life Balance & Generous Leave: Access a comprehensive suite of leave entitlements designed to support your lifestyle and wellbeing. This includes annual and personal leave, 6 additional days of paid leave per year (pro-rata), purchased leave options, paid parental leave, study leave, and paid family and domestic violence leave.

- Holistic Wellbeing Support: Your mental and physical health matter to RSPCA. Benefit from a wide range of wellness initiatives, including confidential counselling via their Employee and Volunteer Assistance Program (EVAP), dedicated wellbeing activities, and educational programs.

- Exclusive Staff Discounts: Take advantage of premium discounts across our partner networks and services, including Royal Canin pet food, RSPCA Pet Insurance, Hush Puppies footwear, and RSPCA Victoria retail and veterinary clinic products and services.

- Maximise Your Take-Home Pay: Access tax-effective salary packaging and novated lease arrangements through their leading workplace benefits provider, Maxxia.
- Continuous Growth & Development: RSPCA invests in your skilled journey with robust learning and development opportunities specifically curated to support and elevate you in your role.

Ready to join a team that makes a difference? Apply today!

How to Apply

To learn more about our organisation and this job opportunity, please visit our Employment Opportunities page (https://rspcavic.org/careers/employment-opportunities/) and download the Position Description for more details. If you have any questions, please contact our Recruitment Team via [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

** Applications will be actively reviewed as they are received**

RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are welcome to access RSPCA Victoria’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.

📌 Merchandise Buyer / Planner - Fixed Term Part Time - 0.8 FTE (Burwood East)
🏢 Rspca Victoria
📍 Burwood East