Category Lead - General Merchandise

About the role

Elders is looking for a Category Lead - General Merchandise to join its growing team on a permanent, full-time basis. The role is ideally based in Toowoomba, but candidates from anywhere across Queensland or Northern NSW may also be considered. You will report to the Region Retail Manager and drive the regional implementation of the national retail strategy across the branch network for your category, supporting branch teams to achieve category targets.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and deliver growth opportunities through targeted regional initiatives across new products, customer segments, markets and channels.
• Build category capability by giving branch teams product, service and sales process knowledge, and developing resources such as category insights, sales tools and customer engagement strategies.
• Partner with the Retail Centre of Direction, Branch Managers, agronomists and branch retail teams to execute category plans, drive margin improvement and align with national strategy.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and technical representatives to support category growth, product adoption and regional performance.

Required profile

• Degree in Business, Agriculture or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Agricultural industry experience, ideally within rural products, retail or an agribusiness environment.
• Relevant category accreditation (e.g. Agsafe, ChemCert, nutrition or animal health) is desirable or required where applicable.
• Branch management experience is desirable.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of product logistics, inventory management and supply chain processes.
• Commercial acumen across margin, inventory management and return on capital.
• Understanding of marketing, pricing, product ranging and margin management, including promotional planning and execution.