Merchandise Manager - Sourcing & Production

Farmers Trading Company Ltd; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Farmers Trading Company Ltd is seeking a Merchandise Manager to lead sourcing strategy across general merchandise and apparel, and to own production and garment technology functions. You will manage the Sourcing team and the Garment Technician & Production Manager, collaborating with Compliance & Quality to meet standards.

This hands-on leadership role balances cost, supplier relationships, product development and delivery timelines, across categories, in a major New Zealand retailer.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading and developing teams in sourcing or procurement.
• Strong background in sourcing or procurement across general merchandise and/or apparel.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Experience with budgeting and cost management.
• Knowledge of ESG and responsible sourcing practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Sourcing team and the Garment Technician & Production Manager and their team.
• Identify, evaluate and manage suppliers across general merchandise and apparel and textiles.
• Oversee production and garment technology, from fit and construction through to on time delivery.
• Build supplier relationships and negotiate general terms that work for Farmers.
• Bring ESG and responsible sourcing principles into procurement decisions.
• Partner with Design, Buying, the Distribution Centre and our Compliance & Quality team.
• Represent sourcing and production at the Merchandise leadership table.

Skills

Sourcing

Procurement

Leadership

Negotiation

Budgeting

Stakeholder mgmt

Education

Tertiary qualification in business or supply chain

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

ERP systems

Procurement software

Job description

Farmers is one of New Zealand's most recognised department store retailers, with stores serving Kiwi shoppers nationwide. Behind every product on our shelves and rails is a team working to source it, produce it and get it right - and we're looking for a Merchandise Manager to lead that work across both our hard goods and soft goods categories.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Merchandise, you will lead Farmers' sourcing strategy across general merchandise and apparel and textiles, and own the production and garment technology functions that turn sourced product into store ready product. You will manage the Sourcing team and the Garment Technician & Production Manager and their wider team, and work closely with our Compliance & Quality Manager to make sure everything we sell is set up to meet Farmers' quality and compliance standards.

This is a hands on leadership role at the centre of Farmers' merchandise strategy, balancing cost, supplier relationships, product development and delivery timelines across categories.

What you'll do

• Lead and develop the Sourcing team and the Garment Technician & Production Manager and their team
• Identify, evaluate and manage suppliers across general merchandise and apparel and textiles
• Oversee production and garment technology, from fit and construction through to on time delivery
• Build supplier relationships and negotiate general terms that work for Farmers
• Bring ESG and responsible sourcing principles into procurement decisions
• Partner with Design, Buying, the Distribution Centre and our Compliance & Quality team
• Represent sourcing and production at the Merchandise leadership table

What you'll bring

• Proven experience leading and developing teams in sourcing, procurement or production, with multiple direct reports
• A strong background in sourcing or procurement, ideally across general merchandise and/or apparel, with an understanding of production and garment construction, or a demonstrated ability to build this quickly
• Strong negotiation, influencing and relationship management skills
• Commercial acumen and experience managing budgets
• Sound judgement in balancing quality, speed to market and supply risk
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, SharePoint and relevant ERP or procurement systems
• A relevant tertiary qualification in business, supply chain or a related field is preferred but not essential

This role has real scope - you'll own sourcing and production decisions across two very different categories, work alongside experienced technical and commercial teams, and help shape how one of New Zealand's best known retailers brings product to its customers. Farmers offers the stability of an established local business, a genuinely collaborative culture and the chance to make your mark on a function at the heart of the business.

*Please note we will be relocating to our new Support Office on Pitt Street by July 2027