Category Manager

NightOwl is an Australian owned and operated Franchise Network who has built a solid reputation in the retail sector and celebrating 50 years this year! Today we boast 83+ stores, consisting of a combination of traditional convenience and convenience & petroleum stores.

As the Category Manager, you will be a trusted partner in the buying team, delivering strategic insights and guidance to inform key business decisions and drive category excellence. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing category strategies, managing supplier relationships, and optimizing product portfolios to maximize profitability and market share. By leveraging market trends and consumer insights, you'll innovate and elevate category performance, contributing to the company’s overall growth and success.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategies aligned with business objectives, market trends, and customer insights.

• Analyze category performance, market trends, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for growth.

• Lead range reviews and category planning to ensure optimal product assortment, pricing, and promotions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to secure competitive terms, exclusive products, and joint business plans.

• Negotiate contracts, trading terms, and promotional funding to maximize profitability and efficiency.

• Evaluate and onboard new suppliers to enhance category offerings.

• Collaborate with marketing, operations, and store teams to ensure seamless execution of category plans and promotions.

• Act as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective communication.

• Monitor and analyze category performance metrics, including sales, margin, and stock levels, to identify areas for improvement.

• Develop actionable insights and recommendations based on data analysis to drive category growth.

• Prepare and present regular performance reports and updates to senior management.

The ideal candidate:

• A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable, but commercial capability and experience will be key for success

• 2 years' experience in category management, buying, merchandising or a related commercial role within retail, FMCG, convenience, fuel, grocery or foodservice.

• Proven experience in supplier negotiation and relationship management.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies.

• Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong commercial acumen and customer-focused mindset.

• Proficiency in using category management software and tools.

• High degree of professionalism and judgement with the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

 If you are interested in this role and feel that you can have a great impact in a growing company, we encourage you to “APPLY NOW”. 

Please note you will only be contacted if you have made the shortlist for an interview.