AddressAre you ready to embark on a career journey that offers professional growth with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in remote communities and related networks and delivers a meaningful impact?
Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) is the leading supermarket chain in North Queensland communities. CEQ operates 30 outlets throughout North Queensland and are currently seeking an enthusiastic Merchandise Manager based at Cairns.
As a critical team member, you will be at the heart of our Buying team for the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area, and remote Aboriginal communities ensuring access to quality fresh food, groceries, and essential services like fuel, gas, and ATM facilities.
About the role
The Merchandise Manager is responsible for coordination, management, purchasing of all retail goods, materials, and components (excluding IT and maintenance equipment procurement) for the CEQ stores to effect efficient and economic operations of the organisation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Provide purchasing leadership and expertise to ensure maximum value is achieved from and throughout the procurement process.
- Monitor and manage the level of stock through sales analysis and an accurately maintained data base.
- Manage the development and maintenance of ranges.
- Review stock pricing to ensure CEQ is competitive and affordable on everyday products required for the community's health and wellbeing whilst ensuring gross profit margins are maintained at a level required for business sustainability.
- Drive, monitor and manage the CEQ promotional program for continuous improvement for the benefit of the community, and CEQ sustainability.
- Work with the CEQ team on strategies to increase sales & profits.
- Develop and execute sales, ranging strategies and marketing initiatives, plus promotional activities to increase sales and provide competitive retail offers to all stores.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, promotional spend/opportunities, equipment provision, sales and purchasing rebates, and other opportunities to benefit CEQ and its customers.
- Oversee the selection of suppliers and submit contracts for approval within the supplier group.
- Oversee supplier product performance throughout the duration of contract to service level and defined KPIs.
- Developing and implementing sourcing strategies for the category and its planning processes that encompasses promotions, forecasting, stock control, ranging, spacing and review.
- Review and monitor the accuracy of the information input into the CEQ computer system via the Category Buyers
- Develop local supply chain (with partnerships and facilitation of Indigenous businesses)
- Monitor WH&S to ensure staff safety and a safe workplace.
- Promote strong working relationships with the Board and community leaders.
- Develop succession plans for all key roles within your business unit.
- Drive nutrition and wellbeing improvements within our team and community
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position supervises the Category Buyers.
Competency
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
- Design - Generates creative solutions; Demonstrates attention to detail.
- Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
- Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement.
- Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organisational goals; Understands organisation's strengths & weaknesses; Analyses market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
- Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
- Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; Meets commitments.
- Teamwork - Contributes to building a positive team spirit.
- Cost Consciousness - Conserves organisational resources
- Dependability - Keeps commitments.
- Negotiation skills
Essential Requirements
- Demonstrated ability to work in remote locations with limited resources.
- At least 5 years previous experience working in a multi branch environment (preferably retail) at a senior level.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and work in a cross-cultural environment Demonstrated ability to work in a resource limited environment.
- Work constructively in a team environment
- Current Police check (no more than 3 months old)
- Ability to travel to remote communities in light aircraft as required.
Desirable Requirements
- Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Current driver’s license
Work Environment
The position is based in Cairns and working in a team of 60 team members with some remote travel.
Our Culture
CEQ promote an honest, progressive, collaborate, respectful and inclusive teamwork environment throughout the establishment, culturing diversity and growth within the workforce.
Our key benefits:
- 4 weeks annual leave & 17.5% leave loading
- Ability to Salary Sacrifice up to $15,000.00 p.a. (meals & entertainment options)
- Employee assistance program (counselling & support services) available
- Opportunity for career growth
- Workplace health and wellbeing initiatives
- Laptop & Mobile phone
To apply for this career opportunity please click apply via Seek and attach a copy of your resume and cover letter. Applications close 17 July 2024, however we reserve the right to close the position earlier than stated.
