Category Manager

Petstock Tasmania; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Petstock is seeking an experienced Buyer to join our Merchandise team in Melbourne. You will source and select products, manage ranges, and drive profitable outcomes through strategic purchasing decisions, supplier partnerships and data-driven range reviews.

Collaborating with stores, marketing and operations, you will execute buying plans, pricing strategies and promotions. A passion for pets, strong commercial acumen and excellent stakeholder management are essential to succeed in this growing

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Buyer/Merchandise experience

Commercial acumen

Vendor relationships

Sourcing and range planning

Data interpretation

Stakeholder management

Collaboration

Pet industry passion

Tools

Microsoft Excel

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. Working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders, you'll drive commercial outcomes through strategic purchasing decisions, range optimisation and strong supplier partnerships.

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.