Category Manager

Cairns Hardware is a long-standing family owned and operated business and part of one of the largest independent suppliers of timber and building materials to many of the best home builders in Australia.

We offer a family-feel culture and work environment that sets us apart from any others in the industry. We are part of a 60-site National group with over 1400 trusted support team professionals, trade experts, drivers, and yards people. To find out more about us click here.

The founders of the organisation are all about investing in their people, partners, and community to make a positive and sustainable contribution to Australia.

 Our business is built on a set of values that create the foundation for everything we do; Take Responsibility, Grow Together, Everyone Contributes.

In a rare and exciting opportunity we are looking for a highly engaging and motivated person to join our purchasing team. This role brings together all things merchandise to service our local customers with the right knowledge and advice. 

In this role you will support the business with the implementation of product category strategies for our product ranges. You’ll own the customer proposition and have end to end accountability for managing, forecasting and range reviews including supporting the price files and upkeep of our system, analysing the market so our business stays competitive. You will drive innovation of new products, influence the trading margin and support the wider organisation in growing and managing our product base and business performance. Ultimately, having a customer first attitude you will build strong relationships with vendors and negotiate a win-win opportunity for all.

We require motivated and enthusiastic people who want to drive growth while learning the ropes of being part of a busy team. You will get the opportunity for ongoing training, development and the chance to pursue growth and learning on a daily basis.

Prior experience with hardware, or within the building industry is advantageous. The role is well suited to someone with confidence who enjoys working with people. 

• Identify new and reliable suppliers/vendors, evaluate bases on quality, timeliness and price
• Build and maintain positive trust relationships with key suppliers and vendors
• Evaluate business contracts to ensure compliance with legal requirements
• Develop and implement best practices, procedures and policies for procurement
• Create and maintain an up to date supplier/vendor database
• Oversee the management of supplier/vendor product cost, quality and delivery performance
• Collaborate with branch managers to selecting, pricing and positioning
• of category products
• Ensure quality of procured items and address problems with suppliers as they arise
• Continuously compare product prices and service quality to ensure the business gets the best deals on purchased products
• Regular reviews of the market to identify price trends and future availability of goods; sourcing vendors, negotiating prices and preparing requisitions 
• Establish and maintain high levels of customer service standards across the stores.
• Working closely with the Sales and Operations teams to ensure that customer service standards are constantly being lifted and appropriate sales and relationship strategies are put in place to increase sales.
• Develop and implement operational strategies and procedures to ensure that Branches remain in stock at all times for the customer

• Demonstrated experience with executing the category's pricing, promotion, range selection and layout development and experience with developing strong supplier relationships 
• Strong commercial acumen with experience applying this to interpret industry dynamics and competitive trade landscapes
• Skills within procurement/sourcing of products
• Strong analytical skills demonstrated through proactively sourcing customer insights and data to formulate category recommendations
• The ability to build and articulate category strategy
• Experience working within cross functional teams to manage and execute projects
• Strong influencing skills, to negotiate trading terms with both internal and external stakeholders
• Experience with supporting and developing budgets and targets 
• Manual Vehicle Licence essential

• Company allocated mobile phone and laptop
• Be part of something strong, we really are growing together
• Rewards and discounts program
• Your contribution is valued and celebrated, the company culture lives this
• EAP – Employee Assistance Program
• Uniform provided, so you can look the part
• Ongoing training with plenty of opportunities for people with the right attitude 
• Job security from a long-standing respected employer in the Cairns region 
• Staff and Fuel discount schemes offered
• Everyone gets paid to take a day off for their birthday
• Be part of an organisation that puts its people first and has their best interests at heart

We are an equal opportunity employer with a zero tolerance to Drugs and Alcohol in the workplace and conduct regular random workplace testing.

Only applicants with the Right to Work in Australia will be considered for this position.

If this sounds like the right job for you, click the 'Apply for this job' now and include your Resume and Covering Letter.