Category Manager

Description:

Multiple Locations Considered: Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane
We are partnering with a well-regarded national business that supplies specialist product solutions across diverse trade and project markets. With a solid reputation for quality, innovation, and customer commitment, the business is looking for a skilled Category Manager to lead a key portfolio. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a strategic, cross-functional environment and is passionate about driving commercial success through thoughtful product and category management.
As Category Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the category - from strategy and supplier engagement through to range development, pricing, and product lifecycle management. This is a hands-on, high-impact opportunity to own a portfolio and influence broader business growth.
Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies that align with customer needs, market dynamics, and business goals
• Manage the full product lifecycle, including NPD, range optimisation, pricing strategy, and product rationalisation
• Work closely with sourcing teams and supply partners (both local and overseas) to deliver competitive and commercially viable product solutions
• Lead and contribute to private label development, go-to-market planning, and promotional activity
• Partner with sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure alignment and successful execution of category initiatives
• Analyse sales, market, and customer data to identify opportunities for growth, margin improvement, and range innovation
• Negotiate supplier agreements and rebates that enhance commercial outcomes and strengthen supplier partnerships
• Support product training and the development of assets for internal and customer use
• Manage or mentor junior category support team members, where applicable

Required experience:

• Proven experience in category management, product management, or brand management, within a B2B, trade, or industrial environment
• Commercially driven with a strong understanding of pricing, margin, and portfolio profitability
• Experience in supplier engagement, sourcing, and negotiating terms and rebates
• Solid analytical capabilities with the ability to turn data and market insights into actionable strategies
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, able to influence and align internal and external stakeholders
• Comfortable managing complex product portfolios across multiple channels or customer types
• Exposure to private label product development, category reviews, and strategic planning will be highly regarded

This is a unique opportunity to join a respected, growth-oriented organisation where you will be given the autonomy to drive meaningful change and commercial results.
Should this opportunity be of interest to you click on the APPLY button above or contact Hannah Bulmer at Blackbook Executive on (03) 9823 7408 if you would like to discuss further.