Category Manager - Pool & Spa

Are you looking for an exciting, fast-paced role working with a wide variety of amazing consumer products in a growing national business? 

If the answer is Yes, apply to join us at Clark Rubber in our Pool and Spa division. 

Who Are We?

Clark Rubber is an iconic Australian brand, now over 75 years old. With a team of passionate people focused on growth, we are in a period of transformational change, and this is an exciting time to join us.  

For us, no business can grow without the right people in the right roles, and we are looking for those people! Authentic people who have problem-solving skills, people who can step into their strengths, people who understand the fast-paced retail environment and are always willing to pitch in to support others. 

At Clark Rubber, no two days will be the same and you will gain valuable experience in the running of an iconic retail brand. 

About the Role:

We’re seeking an experienced, strategically-minded Category Manager to come in and  make a real impact in one of our most pivotal product portfolios and a growing area of the business. 

You will play a key role in driving category growth and to shape the future of our Pool and Spa range. 

Reporting to the General Manager of Pool & Spa and working closely with the Marketing and Merchandise teams, you will make a real difference to the customer offer, and the overall go-to-market position within these categories.

Your aim will be to develop and execute strategies to achieve sales and margin budgets for the category. You will be highly analytical and will monitor and analyse the sales performance of the category portfolio, identify areas for growth, improvement, and optimisation, as well as the need for support with promotions and sales support initiatives. 

Utilising your skill as an expert in the end-to-end process of buying, knowledge of product strategy as well as your drive and tenacity, you can truly make this YOUR category. No handing over the implementation and watching someone else change the idea. You will finally have end to end responsibility and the freedom to make it as big as you can. 

Some of the other key responsibilities will include: 

• Sourcing quality products in line with the company objectives that deliver great value for our customers and store network. 
• Fostering strong supplier relationships that enhance category support and performance. 
• Monitoring the competition and new product trends. 
• Developing Point Of Sale materials and Merchandising requirements to support product sales. 
• Monitoring key market trends and consumer insights. 
• Developing effective training programs to ensure the staff in-store are the most knowledgeable experts in Australia. 

 Skills & Experience:

• At least 5 years Buying / Category Management experience.
• Candidates with previous experience working with swimming pool equipment, electrical products, hardware or hot water appliances will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience with range planning, SKU management and category strategy development.
• The ability to present clear and actionable category plans to company executives and Franchisees. 
• Developing retail advertising and promotional campaigns. 
• Experience in managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and trading terms.
• Proficiency in Excel and other MS Office applications. 
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing pricing proposals is a must. 
• Knowledge of overseas sourcing and supply chain experience. 
• Experience in a retail franchise business is an advantage.
• You regard success as overachieving sales and profit budgets.