Category Manager

WOW Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

WOW Recruitment in Sydney is seeking a commercially minded Category Manager to take end-to-end ownership of a high-volume hospitality portfolio. You will lead ~1,200 SKUs across bedding, amenities, glassware and cookware, shaping product strategy, margins and growth from day one.

You will drive global sourcing with 60+ overseas vendors, report to the General Manager, and push eco-initiatives and sustainability across categories while using SAP B1, Phocas and advanced Excel to spot market trends.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in Category Management or Commercial Buying.
• Experience negotiating with international suppliers (China).
• Background in homewares, retail, kitchen, bathroom, bedding, or commercial distribution.
• Advanced Excel and ERP experience (SAP Business One / Phocas).
• Proactive, customer-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Build annual category plans and optimize product lifecycles.
• Lead range reviews and source new products globally.
• Maintain stock turns and forecast demand with Supply Chain.
• Use SAP B1, Phocas and Excel to spot market trends.

Skills

Category Management

Commercial Buying

Global Sourcing

Excel

ERP (SAP B1 / Phocas)

Pricing Strategy

Tools

SAP Business One

Phocas

Job description

WOW Recruitment are looking to hire a commercially minded Category Manager who is ready to take on total end-to-end ownership of a thriving, high-volume portfolio within the Hospitality sector.

Backed by a proud 50-year legacy of quality, innovation, and trust, this Australian-owned commercial supplier is scaling fast across ANZ. Supplying major players across hospitality, healthcare, workplace, and accommodation sectors, we are seeking a driven Category Manager to champion a high-impact $10M portfolio.

Title: Category Manager

Location: Sydney

Working Model: On-Site

Sector: Hospitality

Why You'll Love This Role

• Real Ownership: Step in and fully lead ~1,200 SKUs across commercial bedding, amenities, glassware, and cookware—shaping product strategy, margins, and growth from day one.
• Global Exposure: Drive international supply chain strategy and build deep, direct partnerships with over 60 overseas vendors (heavy China focus) and key ANZ suppliers.
• Executive Visibility: Report directly to the General Manager in an agile, entrepreneurial environment where your commercial decisions directly move the needle.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Spearhead market-leading eco-initiatives and sustainable packaging improvements across key categories.

What You'll Do

• Drive Commercial Performance: Build annual category plans, optimize product lifecycles, and execute data-backed pricing strategies to boost revenue and gross margins.
• Lead Range Reviews & Sourcing: Conduct rigorous range reviews, identify rationalization targets, and source winning new products from global markets.
• Master Inventory Health: Partner with Supply Chain to maintain optimal stock turns, forecast demand accurately, and eliminate obsolete stock risks.
• Stay Close to the Market: Utilize SAP Business One, Phocas, and advanced Excel to spot market trends - periodically hitting the road with our sales team to keep your finger on the pulse.

What We're Looking For

• Proven Track Record: 3-5 years in Category Management or Commercial Buying, featuring at least two distinct, successful category management roles.
• Global Sourcing Expertise: Demonstrated success negotiating pricing, rebates, and lead times with international suppliers (specifically China manufacturing networks).
• Commercial Acumen: Strong background in homewares, retail, kitchen, bathroom, bedding, or commercial distribution (direct amenities experience is not required).
• Analytical Powerhouse: Advanced Excel skills and comfort using ERP tools (SAP Business One / Phocas preferred) to turn raw numbers into high-growth action plans.
• The Mindset: A proactive, "job to be done" work ethic—curious, customer-focused, and eager to build something exceptional.