Merchandise Manager

About the Company We are excited to partner with a locally owned and operated large-format retailer in Kapiti to find their next Merchandise Manager. This position is vital in driving stock performance, margin, and product flow for one of the most reputable brands in New Zealand retail. You will be joining a cohesive, down-to-earth leadership team within a store that boasts an impressive tenure, a strong reputation, and ambitious goals. About the Role As the Merchandise Manager, you will play a crucial role in shaping the shelves, enhancing strategies, and leading with impact. This position offers full ownership of stock and margin performance, allowing you to thrive in a high-volume retail environment. We are looking for someone who excels in process improvement, reporting, and building strong supplier relationships while leading a passionate, cross-functional team. What You Will Be Doing - Taking ownership of stock file integrity, replenishment, and product availability. - Optimizing margin, turnover, and clearance strategies. - Leading range planning and seasonal buying. - Collaborating with the Store Manager and leadership team on strategy and execution. - Analyzing data, improving systems, and preparing seasonal orders. - Supporting the SAP migration and driving operational improvements. - Managing and mentoring a team of seven across stock, online orders, and stocktaking. You Will Thrive in This Role If You - Are skilled in inventory and merchandise planning within a retail setting. - Possess strong analytical skills and enjoy using data to inform decisions. - Prefer working collaboratively across operations, buying, and leadership teams. - Are confident in working autonomously and can manage your area from start to finish. - Have experience dealing with large stock volumes, ideally in large-format retail. - Have a background in supplier relationships and a passion for continuous improvement. Benefits Joining the Kapiti team comes with several advantages, including: - Genuine, long-standing leadership that fosters a great culture and strong values. - A Monday to Friday work schedule with occasional flexibility required only when absolutely necessary. - A supportive, close-knit team with low turnover and high engagement. - Attractive perks, including staff discounts for you and your household, health benefits, and access to team incentives. - The opportunity to be part of a store that is locally owned, respected, and dedicated to community involvement. If you are a passionate merchandise specialist ready to step into a more senior role or looking for your next significant opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this exciting position.