SUMMARY:
Our client, a leading national business operating within the wholesale and retail sector, seeks an experienced General Merchandise Specialist / Category Buyer to manage product selection and commercialisation activities across assigned product categories.
The successful candidate will manage products from sourcing and evaluation through to onboarding, performance monitoring and possible delisting. The role includes supplier negotiation, seasonal range planning, private-label support, product compliance and the maintenance of accurate SKU information.
This position will suit a commercially minded general merchandise professional who combines strong product and trend awareness with analytical decision-making and disciplined execution.
POSITION INFO:
THE PERSON Qualifications: Degree or Diploma in Commerce, Supply Chain or a related field is preferred. Experience: Minimum 5 years' experience within a general merchandise buying, category, sourcing or product role. Proven category-management experience. Private-label experience is essential. Strong general merchandise product and category knowledge. Experience sourcing, assessing and onboarding new products. Experience developing product ranges for different customer and store profiles. Proven supplier negotiation experience involving product costs, discounts, rebates and promotional funding. Seasonal and event-based range-planning experience. Experience monitoring sell-through, margin and SKU profitability. Exposure to product quality, labelling and regulatory requirements. Technical Skills: Strong Excel capability, including PivotTables. Familiarity with BI dashboards and the interpretation of commercial data. Ability to apply forecasting metrics and data analytics to product decisions. Experience using merchandising, planning or ERP systems. Comfortable maintaining accurate SKU and product master data. Sound understanding of SKU-level profitability. Competencies: Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills. Strong product, customer and trend awareness. Analytical and decisive. Organised and detail-orientated. Confident in managing suppliers and commercial commitments. Strong communicator. Shopper-focused. Able to manage multiple products, deadlines and seasonal priorities. THE ROLE Product Selection and Onboarding: Evaluate brands, products, pack sizes and variants for inclusion within assigned categories. Assess the commercial suitability of products against customer needs, category strategy and available store space. Prepare product-onboarding packs and commercial term sheets. Coordinate the successful onboarding of approved products. Ensure product and supplier information is complete and accurate. Range Development: Develop standard product ranges based on customer profiles and allocated store space. Review existing ranges and identify gaps, duplication and commercial opportunities. Recommend appropriate ranges for different store and customer segments. Support the implementation of approved product and range changes. Product Sourcing and Trend Identification: Identify and source new, innovative and trending products. Assess potential products for customer relevance and commercial viability. Coordinate small-scale product pilots to test demand and potential impact. Analyse pilot results before recommending broader implementation. Commercial Negotiation: Negotiate routine cost prices, discounts, rebates and promotional funding. Prepare and maintain accurate records of agreed commercial terms. Monitor supplier delivery against negotiated commitments. Support profitable and sustainable supplier relationships. Seasonal and Event Planning: Develop product assortments for seasonal periods and retail events. Align anticipated volumes with forecasts, promotional plans and customer demand. Coordinate supplier and internal commitments to support successful execution. Review seasonal performance and apply learnings to future ranges. Performance Monitoring and SKU Rationalisation: Monitor product sales, sell-through, margin and overall SKU performance. Identify underperforming and high-potential products. Recommend pricing, promotional or placement changes where required. Recommend the consolidation or delisting of underperforming products. Use commercial data to support range and product decisions. Supplier Management: Manage day-to-day supplier relationships and commitments. Follow up on deliveries, product information and outstanding requirements. Resolve routine supplier and delivery exceptions. Escalate significant commercial, quality or supply concerns when necessary. Private Label: Support the development and commercialisation of private-label products. Assist with product specifications, costing and scale-up activities. Coordinate relevant supplier, quality and commercial requirements. Monitor private-label product performance and recommend appropriate action. Product Compliance and Master Data: Ensure products meet required quality, labelling and regulatory standards. Coordinate relevant product quality checks. Maintain accurate and complete SKU master data. Ensure product information remains current throughout the product lifecycle. This opportunity offers an experienced general merchandise \/ category buying professional the chance to influence product ranges and commercial performance within a substantial national retail and wholesale environment.
