Product Manager / Buyer

ABOUT US

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement and one of Australia's largest and most-loved charities.  We believe in doing good that transforms lives and futures for the better.  It is this belief which drives us to find new ways and places where we can make a difference. From times of personal crisis to moments of national grief, we are always here — providing support, safety, community, and opportunity.

The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus. The Salvation Army Australia Values Statement: Recognising that God is already at work in the world, we value: Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity and Collaboration.

Salvos Stores is one of Australia’s largest not for profit retailers, dedicated to creating a positive social and environmental impact through our 350 stores and a growing online presence.

As a mission enterprise within The Salvation Army, the funds we raise directly help provide over one million sessions of care to disadvantaged Australians every year.

Why this role Matters:

Not your average retailer, Salvos Stores is made up of a team of changemakers who are passionate about raising funds to help The Salvation Army provide over one million sessions of care to disadvantaged Australians each year through an extensive network of over 360 retail stores, as well as online.

Whether you’re sorting donations, processing invoices or driving one of our iconic trucks, every team member is valued for the incredible contribution they make to Salvos Stores. Join our crew and feel rewarded for making a difference.

Salvos Stores is a mission enterprise of The Salvation Army, a Christian movement and one of Australia’s largest and most-loved charities, helping thousands of Australians every year find hope amid all kinds of personal hardship.

About the Role:

Salvos Stores is looking for an experienced Product Manager / Buyer to lead the national performance and development of our New Product category. This is a full time, 14 month, maternity leave replacement based out of Noble Park, Melbourne with flexible / hybrid working arrangements.

This is a unique opportunity to combine product strategy, buying, commercial analysis and supplier management in a purpose-driven retail environment. You’ll use customer insights, product performance and market trends to build a compelling product range that complements our donated offering, delivers value to customers and maximises revenue for The Salvation Army’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver a national product roadmap aligned to customer needs, market trends and commercial objectives
• Lead the annual buying plan, seasonal Open to Buy budgets, forecasting and category performance
• Identify emerging trends, new products and commercial opportunities to grow the category
• Source and negotiate with suppliers to achieve quality, value and targeted gross margins
• Manage product ranging, inventory, markdowns and exit strategies for underperforming products
• Use sales, margin and customer insights to make informed product and buying decisions
• Develop and implement a compliance framework ensuring products meet Australian legislative and safety requirements

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years’ experience in product or category management, with a demonstrated record of category growth and profitability
• Significant experience in retail and/or the not-for-profit sector
• Strong buying, supplier negotiation and commercial management skills
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting, margins, inventory and product performance
• A strong understanding of product compliance, quality assurance and Australian product safety requirements
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence across a complex, national retail environment
• Proven people leadership and mentoring capability

Why Work For Us:

• Eligible employees can access NFP Salary Packaging (up to $15,900 tax free) plus meals and entertainment benefit ($2,650)
• Purchased Leave Scheme (up to 8 weeks) + Workplace Support Leave (5 days) for volunteering in Salvos initiatives
• Flexible and hybrid WFH arrangements, access to Fitness Passport and Consumer Discounts
• Access to EAP and health & wellness initiatives
• Ongoing training and development opportunities that enhance on the job skills and proficiency
• Rewarding and fulfilling purpose driven careers that have positive and sustainable social impacts

How to Apply:

We are looking for compassionate people who share our mission and values, if you have the passion and drive to commit yourself to a challenging and rewarding role; we invite you to apply via the link and submit a current CV and a cover letter which details your alignment with the essential requirements of the role.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer who provides an inclusive work environment and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation and is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All child facing roles will require the successful completion of a Working with Children Check. Applicants for all roles require a mandatory Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

We value Integrity, Compassion, Respect, Diversity, and Collaboration.