General Manager

Join to apply for the General Manager - Merchandise (Automotive Specialist) role at GPC Asia Pacific

We are GPC Asia Pacific: the largest industrial and automotive aftermarket parts supplier in Australia and New Zealand. Our automotive parts keep the world moving while our people shape the future. We propel forward careers, progress and performance.

We are currently seeking an experienced General Manager of Merchandise to lead and support a team of Merchandise Managers responsible for the Automotive Specialist Product Categories.

Based in Brisbane and reporting to the Chief Merchandise and Growth Officer, you will be responsible for the effective management and strategic direction of the categories, ensuring continued growth.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement comprehensive merchandise strategies that support Repco and NAPA overall business goals and customer value propositions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on long-term planning and annual budgeting processes.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing merchandising team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and results.
• Partner cross-functionally with marketing, operations, digital, and finance to align merchandise strategy with customer experience.
• Oversee the planning and selection of product assortments that meet car parc and customer needs while maximizing profitability and ROIC.
• Approve ranging decisions, assortment plans, and promotional strategies.
• Analyse market trends, customer behaviour, and the competitive landscape to make well informed merchandise decisions.
• Build and develop strong vendor relationships, develop points of competitive advantage to maximise margin and delivery performance.
• Deliver sales and gross margin and inventory targets.
• Review and interpret sales data, forecasts, and KPIs regularly to identify opportunities and risks and put action plans in place to improve performance.
• Work closely with merchandise planning and supply teams to optimise availability, ensure timely replenishment and appropriate store distribution.
• Partner with marketing and digital teams to ensure in-store and online presentation reflects the merchandise strategy and brand identity.
• Maintain consistency across all customer touchpoints with respect to product presentation, pricing, and storytelling.
• Influence seasonal campaigns, product launches, and key promotional events.
• Hire and develop merchandise team members, creating succession plans and growth opportunities.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching and feedback, and drive professional development.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture aligned with company values.

About you:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in merchandising or product management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Merchandising, or related field; MBA or advanced degree is desirable.
• Proven success in managing large-scale merchandise operations in a multi-location or omnichannel retail environment.
• Experience in Trade/Commercial merchandise organisations.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Deep understanding of category management and financial planning.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Results-driven, with strong business acumen and commercial mindset.

Looking after you:

• Staff discounts across the GPC Asia Pacific group of Companies.
• Employee assistance program.
• A highly safety conscious work environment.
• We proactively support our working parents in a variety of meaningful ways, and our parental leave top-up allowance is one of the ways we do this.
• Paid volunteer leave allowing you to give back to your chosen charity/community organisation.
• Access to GPC's MOVE employee platform with discounts at top retailers, announcements, e-cards and an employee recognition program, plus more.

GPC Asia Pacific

Our iconic brands include Repco, NAPA, McLeod Accessories and Motion Industries. With over 8,000 team members in Asia Pacific, and 60k+ globally, being part of Genuine Parts Company helps you reach further. Learn more about our business at Send your CV to our Careers Team by clicking APPLY. Thank you for your interest in becoming part of GPC Asia Pacific.

• Director

• Full-time

• General Business, Management, and Product Management
• Industries: Retail Motor Vehicles