Head of Tools
Port Melbourne, VIC, AUSTRALIA
About the Opportunity
As the Head of Tools for Total Tools you will shape and execute the merchandise strategy for one of the most important group of categories in the Total Tools business. This senior leadership role is central to delivering our corporate objectives through strategic planning, deep supplier partnerships, team leadership, and data-driven commercial decision-making.
You will lead a merchandise team of 5 Category Managers, to build best-in-market ranges, negotiate high-impact supplier agreements, and ensure Total Tools maintains its competitive edge as Australia’s #1 professional tools retailer.
What you will be doing
- Lead and execute the
- Develop deep relationships with franchisees and operations teams.
- Drive category growth through pricing, ranging, and supplier strategies.
- Guide range reviews, private label growth, and promotional initiatives.
- Build our Product Marketing plans talking to the trade customer.
- Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships and negotiate agreements.
- Improve inventory performance, DIFOT, and merchandise efficiency.
- Set sales, margin, and inventory targets and monitor results.
- Lead, coach, and develop the merchandise team, fostering high performance.
- Ensure compliance, safety, and adherence to company policies.
You’re likely a match if you are/have
You’re a strategic and commercially savvy merchandise leader with proven experience driving category growth in a national retail environment. You excel at supplier negotiations, range planning, and promotional strategy. A strong people leader, you inspire high-performing teams, foster collaboration, and deliver results while maintaining operational excellence and compliance. You have an ability to work strategically, whilst driving short term performance, focused on delivering best outcomes for both stores and end-users. Industry knowledge in commercial trade tools, hardware, or related categories is highly desirable.
What’s on offer
We’re proud to offer a workplace that supports your well-being, growth, and belonging:
🏖️ Extra Leave: Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave, 2 well-being days, plus 1 volunteer day annually
📚 Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities
👶 Parental Leave: 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid leave for primary carers
🌈 Inclusive Culture: Bronze Employer for LGBTQ Inclusion
⚖️ Neutral Pay Gap: Gender pay gap under 5% (WGEA 2024–2025)
🧠 Mental Health: Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia
🏡 Flexibility: Flex Ready and Family Friendly Workplace accredited
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.
#INHT #LI-AP1
