Category Manager - Outdoor Living

Join Our Team at the Independent Hardware Group – Let’s Build Stronger Communities, Together!

At the Independent Hardware Group, we’re more than just a business – we’re a force for good in our communities! As the leading supplier of over 600 independently owned stores nationwide, we’re on a mission to help local retailers take on the big chains, one postcode at a time. With trusted brands like Mitre 10 and Home Timber & Hardware in our corner, we’re giving locals the tools and support they need to literally build stronger communities!

About the opportunity

As a Category Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of managing a competitive product range, from sourcing to store delivery. You’ll be the driving force behind our category’s growth and success, while supporting our store network.

Let’s Talk About you

• Lead Category Performance: Own the success of your category by achieving budgetary targets and aligning your plans with business objectives. Your strategic category planning will make a lasting impact on Mitre 10’s success.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keep up-to-date with emerging trends, competitors, and market gaps to identify exciting opportunities that will push your category forward.
• Supplier Power: Build and nurture strong relationships with key suppliers. Negotiate competitive pricing, create tailored business plans, and drive innovative range solutions that keep Mitre 10 ahead of the game.
• Promotions and Marketing: Develop and implement a winning promotional marketing program for our brands. From supplier negotiations to product selection, pricing, and performance review, you’ll ensure everything is spot on for maximum impact.
• Train & Develop: Partner with suppliers to create training programs that enhance our stores' performance and keep the team sharp and ready to meet customer needs.
• Store Support: Provide ongoing support to our stores to help them hit their targets. Your category plans will be essential in ensuring stores are fully equipped to succeed.
• Product Sourcing & Development: Maximise all opportunities to source the best products and create a competitive, diverse range that exceeds customer expectations.
• Store and Competitor Visits: Keep a close eye on the market by visiting stores and reviewing competitors to ensure our offerings are always leading the pack.
• Inventory Management: Ensure stock levels are optimized for efficiency and sales growth, ensuring we always have the right products in the right place.
• Ethical Business Practices: Conduct all business dealings in a fair, respectful, and ethical manner, balancing the needs of suppliers, the company, and our store network.

You’re Likely a Match If You have

To be a successful Category Manager we need someone with a blend of strategy, communication, and analytical skills:

• Experience: You’ve got a proven track record in strategic category planning, ranging, and supplier management (preferably in retail or hardware).
• Analytical Skills: Your ability to analyse data and quickly implement key changes will be key to driving category success.
• Strong Communication: You’re a natural communicator who can negotiate, coach, and influence suppliers and internal teams alike.
• Leadership: With minimal supervision, you’ll lead projects, develop relationships, and influence outcomes across the business.
• Organizational Skills: You thrive under pressure, can manage multiple competing priorities, and still hit deadlines.
• Tech-Savvy: You know your way around Microsoft Office applications and use them to enhance your strategic and operational performance.
• Positive, Can-Do Attitude: Resilience, enthusiasm, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment are a must!

Why Us?

By joining the Independent Hardware Group, you’re not just starting a job – you’re joining a community-driven company that’s passionate about making a real difference. You’ll have the opportunity to work with incredible brands, make a significant impact, and help build the future of local retail, all while working alongside a supportive and dynamic team.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something special? Apply now and help us build a culture that is worth working for every second!

Joining the Metcash Family  

At Metcash, you’re part of something bigger. You have all the perks of a small business heart, without missing out on the big business support.  

Being part of something bigger means your part of a strong purpose, where the work you do makes a big difference to independent business and local communities. It opens a sea of opportunities to develop yourself, grow your career, thrive your way and make your mark. And you’ll be part of our high performing team, where you reap the rewards of our collective success now and into the future.  

Life at Metcash  

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

🌿 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. 

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

🙏🏼 Thrive where work and family truly co-exist. We are an accredited Family Friendly Workplace. 

🏆 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. 

💸 Great team member discounts and perks. 

#INHT