Merchandise Manager

Are you ready to embark on a career journey that offers professional growth working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in remote communities and related networks and delivers a meaningful impact? Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) seeks Expression of Interest for the role of Merchandise Manager.

As a critical team member, you will be at the heart of our services function in the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area, and remote Aboriginal communities. Operating in 30 retail stores across remote locations, CEQ ensures access to quality fresh food, groceries, and essential services like fuel, gas, and ATM facilities. Your role will be based in the busy and culturally diverse Cairns Support Office, with regular travel to other locations, often involving small air and watercraft and unique experiences in Country.

It really needs you to be enthusiastic about making a difference and ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that aligns with your values (ours is "caring, every day, always") and aspirations. If so, we invite you to join us at Community Enterprise Queensland. To take this step in your exciting career journeying, apply for this role.

Summary

The Merchandise Manager is responsible for the coordination, management, and procurement of retail goods, materials, and components for CEQ's diverse retail operations. This includes Retail Supermarkets, M10 Hardware, Col Jones (Betta Electrical), and the Community Home Hardware business. The role ensures efficient, cost-effective purchasing and inventory strategies that support the operational success and commercial sustainability of each retail division within the organisation.

Partnering with a cross-cultural, geographically dispersed team from Cairns to Cape York Peninsula, Gulf of Carpentaria, North Queensland and the Torres Strait Islands, the Merchandise Manager will work in alignment with the CEQ vision and values and plays an integral role in ensuring the ongoing success and reputation of CEQ as an employer of choice.

Qualifications & Experience

• Hold of working towards a bachelor's degree in business/marketing/ retail management
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in a similar role within the Retail environment or Hospitality environment is desirable but not essential
• Previous experience working in a large and complex business desirable, but not essential.

Software & Systems Experience

• Intermediate to advanced level of competency using the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Intermediate to advanced level of competency using iRMS, Tower, Sympac, SmartRetail or other similar inventory systems

Team

• Lead, coach and develop the Buying team in alignment with CEQ's Human Performance objectives, elevating engagement, collaboration and wellbeing outcomes for the team
• Ability to work in a cross-cultural team environment and provide peer support to other team members
• Build and foster collegial relationships across all teams in the business, with a high focus on collaboration between Merchandise, Corporate Services and Operations, ensuring high productivity outcomes and the success of CEQ.

Digital

• Developing competency in the ethical use of AI technologies where appropriate and approved by the General Manager - Merchandise & Supply.

Key Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Provide purchasing leadership and expertise to ensure maximum value is achieved from and throughout the procurement process
• Monitor and manage the level of stock through sales analysis and an accurately maintained data base
• Manage the development and maintenance of ranges.
• Review stock pricing to ensure CEQ is competitive ad affordable on everyday products required for the community's health and wellbeing whilst ensuring gross profit margins are maintained at a level required for business sustainability
• Drive, monitor and manage the CEQ promotional program for continuous improvement for the benefit of the community, and CEQ sustainability
• Work collaboratively with the CEQ team on strategies to increase sales & profits.
• Develop and execute sales, ranging strategies and marketing initiatives, plus promotional activities to increase sales and provide competitive retail offers to all stores
• Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers, promotional spend/opportunities, equipment provision, sales and purchasing rebates, and other opportunities to benefit CEQ and its customers
• Oversee the selection of suppliers and submit contracts for approval within the supplier group
• Oversee supplier product performance throughout the duration of contract to service level and defined KPIs
• Developing and implementing sourcing strategies for the category and its planning processes that encompasses promotions, forecasting, stock control, ranging, spacing and review
• Review and monitor the accuracy of the information input into the CEQ computer system via the Category Buyers
• Develop local supply chain (with partnerships and facilitation of Indigenous businesses)
• Monitor WH&S to ensure staff safety and a safe workplace.
• Develop succession plans for all key roles within your business unit
• Drive nutrition and wellbeing improvements within our team and community
• Other reasonable duties as requested by General Manager - Merchandise & Supply or the CEO.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position supervises the Category Buyers.

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to work in remote locations with limited resources.
• A collaborative and inclusive approach to working within a cross-cultural environment, where respect for and a desire to gain an understanding of traditional Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal culture and customs is an absolute necessity
• Ability to travel to remote communities in light aircraft and ferries as required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a resource limited environment
• Current Criminal History check (no more than 3 months old).

Annual Performance Partnership

CEQ team members will complete an Annual Performance Partnership (APP), which is a structured performance and professional development discussion which relates to KPI's aligned with the Strategic Priorities of the business and the CEQ values.

The overall result of the APP is also based on how well team members have aligned with the CEQ Values, and achieving their professional goals set for the year.