Category Manager

Build More Than a Category. Build the Future of Cairns Hardware.

At Cairns Hardware, we're more than a hardware store. We're a proud, locally owned business that has been helping builders, tradies, renovators and communities across Far North Queensland bring their projects to life for generations. From the foundations of a home to the finishing touches, the products we source, stock and supply play a vital role in building the region we call home.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for a commercially savvy and forward-thinking Category Manager to help shape what comes next.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of key product categories, influence business strategy, and work alongside passionate people who genuinely care about delivering great outcomes for our customers. You'll be at the heart of decisions that determine what products we range, how we go to market, and how we build strong supplier partnerships that create value for both our customers and our business.

The Opportunity

A rare opportunity has become available for an experienced and motivated Category Manager to join the merchandise and purchasing team based in Cairns. This pivotal role manages all aspects of category performance and supplier engagement—supporting product strategy, pricing, and procurement to meet customer expectations and business goals.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Develop and execute category strategies to drive sales, improve margin, and align with market trends.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts, and evaluate vendor performance.
• Conduct regular market and competitor analysis to identify price trends, product innovation and sourcing opportunities.
• Oversee category pricing, promotion, and range reviews to ensure competitiveness.
• Partner with branch managers and internal stakeholders to ensure effective product selection, availability, and in-store execution.
• Ensure quality standards, safety compliance and legal obligations are met across all procurement activities.
• Maintain accurate supplier databases, manage budgets, and support merchandising process improvements.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in merchandise or category management, ideally within the hardware, building supplies, or trade retail sectors.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with a proven ability to deliver growth and margin outcomes.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Advanced computer literacy, including Excel and procurement tools.
• Sound knowledge of supplier sourcing, pricing strategies, and product life cycles.
• Ability to lead and influence across teams and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with WH&S standards and commitment to upholding safety practices.
• A current manual driver's licence (QLD).

Why Join Cairns Hardware?

• Enjoy the lifestyle benefits of living and working in beautiful Far North Queensland.
• Attractive salary package based on experience.
• Supportive leadership team and values-driven culture.
• Employee discounts, recognition programs and paid birthday leave.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Stable, long-term career with a trusted Australian business.
• Support with relocation available.

Interested? Contact me for a confidential discussion on 07 4280 5273 or email: [email protected]