General Manager - Merchandise

We are currently seeking a strategic, commercially focused, and experienced executive to join our leadership team as Head of Merchandise – Tools based in Port Melbourne. This role is pivotal to the ongoing success and growth of our brand and product strategy across the Total Tools category. 

As the Head of Merchandise – Tools, you will be responsible for leading the development and execution of Total Tools’ merchandise strategy across all tool categories. Reporting directly to the executive team, this role will drive both commercial performance and customer value through effective product, pricing, and supplier strategies. 

You will also play a critical leadership role in shaping the culture, capability, and succession planning within the merchandising function. 

In this Role   

• Develop and execute merchandise strategies aligned with Total Tools’ short- and long-term business objectives 

• Lead category development, range reviews, pricing strategy, and private label growth 

• Manage supplier trading agreements and develop long-term strategic partnerships 

• Drive category performance through effective planning, forecasting, and promotional activity 

• Lead and mentor the merchandise team, fostering a high-performance culture with a focus on learning, succession, and innovation 

• Oversee category-level budgeting, margin, and sales targets to support national store and brand performance 

• Contribute to business-wide initiatives and represent the merchandise function as a key member of the executive team 

• Implement initiatives to improve supply chain performance, including DIFOT, inventory optimisation, and reduction of aged stock 

You’re Likely a Match If   

You are an experienced and commercially astute leader with a deep understanding of merchandising in a wholesale or retail environment. You combine strategic thinking with strong execution capability and have a proven ability to lead teams through growth and transformation. 

You will bring: 

• Extensive experience in a senior merchandise leadership role within retail, wholesale, or trade distribution 

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing category and supplier strategies 

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including P&L management 

• Proven capability in supplier negotiations and building strategic partnerships 

• Experience leading, developing, and mentoring high-performing teams 

• Ability to influence across multiple stakeholder groups and collaborate effectively across business functions 

• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement 

If you’re ready to take on a key leadership role with one of Australia’s most respected retail brands, we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now or reach out for a confidential discussion. 

Life at Metcash   

🌈 Experience a supportive and flexible work environment. We are a FlexReady accredited workplace!  

🌟 Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave every year after your first 6 months. 

🌿 Benefit from 2 well-being days and 1 volunteer day annually.  

🌐 An abundance of learning, development, and career growth opportunities.  

💼 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave for primary carers.  

🏆 Proudly awarded “Bronze Employer for LGBTQ Inclusion”. .  

⚖️A neutral gender pay gap of under 5% as published by WGEA 2023-2024  

🥇 Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia.  

Joining the Total Tools Family   

At Total Tools & Hardware Group, we’re more than just a group of hardware and tool retailers — we’re a national network helping build stronger communities. Backed by trusted brands like Mitre 10, Total Tools, and Home Timber & Hardware, TTHG supports independently owned, joint venture, and company-owned stores across Australia. With a strong focus on local ownership and expert advice, we give tradies, builders, and DIYers the edge they need to tackle any job — big or small. Whether it’s trade-quality tools from Total Tools or reliable hardware from Mitre 10 and HTH, TTHG is the powerhouse behind the stores that keep Australia building.