Retail Merchandise Manager

Overview

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time or part-time

Grade: VPS 5.2

Occupation: Sales and business development

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/SLV/FAO/1891859

At State Library Victoria, we believe that access to information and stories builds knowledge, strengthens community and inspires our future. Our recent redevelopment transformed our services and spaces, enhancing our role as a driver of Victoria’s education, innovation, tourism and creative industries.

About the opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to develop and deliver a range of commercially successful retail products that reflect the unique identity, history, and cultural significance of State Library Victoria. The Retail Merchandise Manager is responsible for merchandise aligned with exhibitions and the Library's architecture, as well as the Library's role as a major tourist destination. The role combines creative product development with commercial acumen to enhance the visitor experience and generate revenue.

The Retail Merchandise Manager is accountable for the following measurable outcomes:

- Developing and implementing a compelling retail merchandise strategy
- Sourcing a range of commercially viable quality branded products
- Identifying third-party supplier opportunities and mutually beneficial relationships
- Developing a growth strategy and business case for pop-up and online stores
- Analysis of performance and sales data, optimising revenue and customer satisfaction
- Ensuring compliance and best practice, including ethical sourcing and sustainability.

About You

You have well-developed buying, product development and merchandising skills gained via your work across multiple retail sites, ideally within the galleries, libraries, arts or museums sector. Possessing commercial acumen, you have a track record in identifying successful new business opportunities that support growth, articulated by sound business cases tailored to a senior stakeholder audience.

In addition, you will come to us with:

- A Business degree, or relevant equivalent experience.
- Significant end-to-end experience in developing commercially successful products, from planning, product development, supply and purchasing to retail trend analysis.
- Significant experience and understanding of the operation of an onsite and online retail business within the cultural, attractions, or tourism sector.
- Demonstrated experience in inventory management, including monitoring sales, determining appropriate margins and development of metrics-based merchandise plans.
- Conceptual thinking capability to identify new business opportunities, and analytical problem-solving skills to develop sound business cases, resulting in evidence-based decision-making.
- Significant experience negotiating and managing commercially competitive contracts with key partners, stakeholders and suppliers.
- Highly developed communication and networking skills, with demonstrated success in engaging key stakeholder groups and the ability to promote and advocate for a business or brand.

About the Library

State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library, and one of the first free public libraries in the world.

We believe in the power of knowledge to change lives. Free to access and open to all, the Library enriches the cultural, educational, social and economic lives of all Victorians.

State Library Victoria preserves and shares the stories of Victoria and the world, and is a major destination for stimulating cultural experiences, contemporary debates, and community-driven collecting. We encourage learning, exploration, imagination, and creativity, opening up possibilities for all Victorians.

State Library Victoria is a child-safe organisation. A valid Working with Children Check will be required before commencing.

State Library Victoria promotes a workplace that actively seeks to welcome and value the unique contributions of all people. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from cultural and linguistical diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+, D/deaf, disabled, neurodiverse people and people of all ages and abilities to apply.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button to submit your application via Careers.Vic.

The following documents should be attached to your application:

- Resume
- Cover letter (maximum 3 pages) summarising how you meet the key selection criteria in the Position Description and the About You section of the advertisement.

For more information on format and content of your application, please see how to apply for a job on the Careers Vic site.

Enquiries

To arrange a confidential discussion about the opportunity, please contact Richard Morrison, Head of Commercial and Facilities, via rmorrison@slv.vic.gov.au

For assistance with the application process please contact us at employment@slv.vic.gov.au

Privacy Collection Notice

Information about how we collect and use your personal information, and how you can contact us, can be found here

Reasonable Adjustments

We want all applicants to have an equal opportunity to demonstrate that they are the best person for the job. If you require an adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, or the provision of a particular access service, please contact our People team on employment@slv.vic.gov.au

Advertising closes on Sunday, 9 November 2025 at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight-Savings Time.

Applications close

Applications close Sunday 9 November 2025 at 11.59pm

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