Category Manager

Petstock NZ Limited; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Petstock NZ Limited is seeking an experienced Buyer to join our Merchandise team. You will source, select and manage product ranges that support our growing business, driving commercial outcomes through strategic purchasing decisions and strong supplier partnerships.

You will develop buying strategies, negotiate terms, and manage ranges to meet sales, margin and inventory targets, collaborating across stores, marketing and operations while staying ahead of market trends and opportunities.

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 experience

Commercial acumen

Vendor relationships

Product sourcing

Range planning

Category management

Analytical skills

Excel

Stakeholder management

Pet industry

Tools

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.

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 an 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.

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.

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.