Category Manager

PETstock Pty Ltd; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

PETstock Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced Buyer to join our Merchandise team in Melbourne. You will help source, select and manage product ranges that support our growing business and align with customer needs.

You'll develop buying strategies, negotiate with suppliers, manage pricing and inventory, and collaborate with stores and marketing to deliver successful product ranges and promotions. A passion for pets and retail excellence is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Buyer, Category Buyer or Merchandise professional in retail.
• Strong commercial sense with focus on sales, margin and inventory.
• Proven ability to negotiate terms with suppliers.
• Experience in range planning and assortment management.
• Analytical mindset with data-driven decision making.
• Advanced Excel skills and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute buying strategies aligned to category and business objectives.
• Source and select products meeting customer needs and trends.
• Negotiate terms, promotions and supplier agreements to maximise profitability.
• Manage range reviews, assortment planning and pricing strategies.
• Build supplier relationships delivering mutual growth and innovation.
• Deliver buying plans achieving sales, margin and inventory targets.
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to optimise ranges.
• Oversee product setup, data integrity and maintenance in systems.
• Collaborate with stores, marketing and ops teams to execute product/promotions.
• Stay informed on market trends and competitor activity.

Skills

Buyer experience

Category management

Vendor negotiations

Merchandise planning

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Job description

Inspired by pets, to grow as people, the Petstock world is one where anything is possible, together we make an impact for pets, people and the planet. We are continually inspired by pets and animals to be better people, both in our careers and our everyday life, making an impact for Pets, People and the Planet! We're looking for an experienced Buyer to join our Merchandise team and play a key role in sourcing, selecting and managing product ranges that support our growing business.

How You Will Make an Impact…

• Develop and execute buying strategies aligned to category and business objectives
• Source and select products that meet customer needs, market trends and merchandising plans
• Negotiate commercial terms, promotions and supplier agreements to maximise profitability
• Manage range reviews, assortment planning and pricing strategies in line with business requirements
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that deliver mutual growth and innovation
• Deliver buying plans that achieve sales, margin and inventory targets
• Monitor category performance and identify opportunities to optimise product ranges
• Oversee product setup, data integrity and ongoing maintenance within systems
• Collaborate with stores, marketing and operational teams to ensure successful product and promotional execution
• Stay informed on market trends, competitor activity and emerging product opportunities

What Skills You Will Bring…

• Proven experience in a Buyer, Category Buyer or Merchandise role within retail
• Strong commercial acumen with a solid understanding of sales, margin and inventory drivers
• Demonstrated success negotiating with suppliers and managing key vendor relationships
• Experience in product sourcing, range planning and category management
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify opportunities
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build strong working relationships
• A genuine passion for pets and the pet industry

This is a great opportunity to join a growing business that is passionate about pets, people and innovation. If you're an experienced Buyer who thrives on building great ranges, delivering commercial results and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on life across our various brands - https://www.linkedin.com/company/petstock

In our effort to support People, Pets & Planet, we’re proud of the work our Foundation undertakes - https://www.petstock.com.au/pages/foundation

Our diversity makes us better...we are a diverse team with varying strengths and an inclusive organisation, committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

We encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds who wish to be part of a culture where everyone can proudly be themselves.

At Petstock we are passionate about supporting the communities we're part of, where possible we aim to hire candidates from the same geographic region (typically within a 80km radius) to strengthen community connections and support local economies.

Whilst we do not prioritise local candidates over others, we recognise the benefits of hiring individuals who have unique insights into the local community.

We are the Petstock Group, a network of energetic and passionate businesses, brands and pet lovers coming together to champion the health and wellbeing of our pets.

Our connections with pets help us as people…at the Petstock Group, together we live by this truth.

We are continually inspired by pets and animals to be better people, both in our careers and our everyday life.

The Petstock Group is built on family values and our passion for pets and animals. We have built a strong, inspirational, and inclusive culture where hard work, fun, laughter & happiness is the norm.

Inspired by pets, to grow as people, the Petstock world is one where anything is possible, together we make an impact for people, pets, and the planet.