Head of Merchandise

Inspired by pets, to grow as people, the Petstock world is one where anything is possible, together we make an impact for pets, people and the planet. We are continually inspired by pets and animals to be better people, both in our careers and our everyday life, making an impact for Pets, People and the Planet!

As we continue to grow and evolve our omnichannel retail business, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Merchandise to lead our Merchandise function and drive the next phase of category growth, customer value and commercial performance.

Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, you will take ownership of the Merchandise strategy, leading category performance, supplier partnerships, pricing, promotion, ranging and commercial planning across the business.

This role calls for a highly strategic merchandising leader who can seamlessly navigate both long-term strategic planning and day to day trading priorities. With the ability to influence and inspire teams and stakeholders, you will drive ambitious commercial outcomes across the business. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience operating at scale within a major retail, FMCG, or consumer organisation.

What Success Looks Like:

• Develop and execute the merchandise strategy to drive sales, profitability and sustainable category growth.
•  Lead category performance across pricing, ranging, promotions, assortment planning and product lifecycle management.
•  Own merchandise budgets, forecasts and trading performance, using data and customer insights to optimise outcomes.
• Identify market trends, customer insights and emerging opportunities to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
•  Establish and monitor key merchandising KPIs, ensuring disciplined performance management and continuous improvement.
•  Champion range optimisation and customer-centric decision-making to improve product relevance, availability and commercial outcomes.
• Build and manage strategic supplier partnerships, leading commercial negotiations and joint business planning.
•  Partner closely with Planning, Supply Chain, Retail, Marketing and eCommerce teams to maximise inventory performance, availability and omnichannel growth.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing Merchandise team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• You will be accountable for delivering sustainable sales growth, margin performance and customer-led category strategies that strengthen Petstock's market position and support our omnichannel ambitions.

Your qualifications and expertise:

• 15+ years' progressive merchandising, buying or category leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading large, multi-category retail portfolios with significant revenue responsibility.
• Experience developing and executing merchandise strategies that deliver sustained sales and profit growth.
• Strong commercial negotiation experience with major national and international suppliers.
• Deep expertise in ranging, pricing, promotions, category management and inventory optimisation.
• Exceptional financial literacy and the ability to translate data into strategic decisions.
• Experience operating within a large-scale omnichannel retail environment.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing capability, including Executive-level engagement.

What Will Set You Apart

• We're looking for a true merchandise leader, not simply an operator.
• You are commercially astute, strategically minded and highly respected for your ability to build winning categories, develop people and influence outcomes. You bring an external perspective, challenge conventional thinking, and have a demonstrated history of delivering transformational merchandise outcomes in complex retail environments.
• Most importantly, you're passionate about customers and understand how exceptional merchandising decisions translate into business growth.

If you're a proven merchandise executive looking for an opportunity to shape strategy, drive commercial performance and leave a lasting impact, apply today!

Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on life across our various brands - https://www.linkedin.com/company/petstock 

In our effort to support People, Pets & Planet, we’re proud of the work our Foundation undertakes - https://www.petstock.com.au/pages/foundation 

Our diversity makes us better...we are a diverse team with varying strengths and an inclusive organisation, committed to providing equal opportunities for all.   

We encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds who wish to be part of a culture where everyone can proudly be themselves