Global Merchandise & Range Strategy Lead

Coast To Coast Imports; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Coast To Coast Imports, a leading Australian homewares wholesaler, is seeking a Merchandise Manager to shape our product strategy across home, gift and seasonal categories. You will lead Buyers, Graphic Designers and a Buying Assistant, turning data and trends into commercially successful ranges while driving growth and profitability.

You'll blend strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, manage a large product portfolio, and travel internationally to explore global trends and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Experience in merchandise management, buying, category management or a related product-focused role, with strong leadership experience.
• Strong SKU planning and range management capability, ideally managing a large product portfolio across multiple retail categories.
• A genuine passion for product, with an eye for emerging trends, new categories and commercially viable opportunities.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to use sales, margin, stock and SKU performance to make ranging decisions and identify opportunities.
• Strategic thinking and a strong understanding of branding, range architecture and product positioning.
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to developing people, setting clear expectations and building a positive, high-performing team.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with sales reporting, inventory and stock management systems.
• The role involves international travel to explore global trends, attend trade fairs and visit suppliers, so a passport and a passion for discovering what’s next are a must.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Buyers, Graphic Designers and a Buying Assistant, collaborating to bring our product vision to life.
• Spot emerging trends and identify new category opportunities to grow the business.
• Analyse sales, stock and SKU performance to inform ranging decisions.
• Develop commercially successful ranges in line with the merchandise strategy.
• Balance creativity, brand, customer appeal and commercial performance in ranges.
• Move the business forward while fostering a positive, proactive team culture.
• Travel internationally to explore global trends, attend trade fairs and visit suppliers.

Skills

Merchandise mgmt

Buying

Category mgmt

Leadership

SKU planning

Range mgmt

Branding

Product positioning

Excel

Sales reporting

Inventory mgmt

Stock analysis

Communication

Project mgmt

Travel intl

Tools

Excel

Job description

Coast To Coast Imports, a leading Australian homewares wholesaler, is seeking a Merchandise Manager to shape our product strategy across home, gift and seasonal categories. You will lead Buyers, Graphic Designers and a Buying Assistant, turning data and trends into commercially successful ranges while driving growth and profitability.

You'll blend strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, manage a large product portfolio, and travel internationally to explore global trends and suppliers.