Merchandise Manager in Melbourne

As one of Australia’s leading homewares wholesalers, Coast to Coast Imports is constantly evolving, always curious, and passionate about bringing beautiful products to market. If you love great design, have a commercial mindset and enjoy working with a team that matches your enthusiasm, you'll feel right at home here.

We’re on the lookout for a Merchandise Manager who combines strategic thinking, commercial smarts and a genuine passion for product. With thousands of SKUs across home, gift and seasonal categories, this is a role for someone who can see the big picture without losing sight of the details. You’ll play a key role in shaping our merchandise and product strategy, identifying opportunities for growth and building commercially successful ranges that keep Coast to Coast moving forward.

You’ll lead a team of Buyers, Graphic Designers and a Buying Assistant, working collaboratively to bring our product vision to life. From spotting emerging trends and new category opportunities to analysing sales, stock and SKU performance, you’ll use both data and instinct to make smart ranging decisions and continually improve our offerings.

We’re an independent, family-run business, which means we value initiative, teamwork and a willingness to roll up your sleeves when needed. We work hard, have a laugh and don’t take ourselves too seriously. We’re looking for someone with the experience and leadership to move the business forward while fostering a positive and proactive team culture.

Does this sound like you? You’re commercially astute, strategically minded and passionate about product. You’re equally comfortable getting into the numbers as you are assessing a new range, emerging trend or product opportunity. You understand the balance between creativity, brand, customer appeal and commercial performance. You’re confident in your expertise but open to other perspectives, and you know when to back your judgement and make a call.

As a leader, you set high standards while creating an environment where people feel supported, respected and empowered to contribute. You can manage competing priorities, keep projects moving forward and make tough decisions when needed.

What you'll bring to the table:

• Experience in merchandise management, buying, category management or a related product-focused role, with strong leadership experience.
• Strong SKU planning and range management capability, ideally managing a large product portfolio across multiple retail categories.
• A genuine passion for product, with an eye for emerging trends, new categories and commercially viable opportunities.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to use sales, margin, stock and SKU performance to make ranging decisions and identify opportunities.
• Strategic thinking and a strong understanding of branding, range architecture and product positioning.
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to developing people, setting clear expectations and building a positive, high-performing team.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with sales reporting, inventory and stock management systems.

The role involves international travel to explore global trends, attend trade fairs and visit suppliers, so a passport and a passion for discovering what’s next are a must. This is an opportunity to have real influence over our ranges, shape our merchandise strategy and lead a team that plays an important role in the continued growth of the business. If you love product, enjoy the commercial challenge of building successful ranges and believe strong results and a positive team culture go hand in hand, we’d love to hear from you.