Category Manager

Company Description

About us:

Bapcor Ltd is the leading automotive aftermarket provider of accessories, equipment and service. We host one of the widest ranges of car parts in the world, with brands including Burson, Autobarn, Midas, Truckline, Premier Auto Trade and JAS.

We’re more than just automotive — we’re a dynamic, purpose-led organisation powered by people. Our Melbourne-based corporate team plays a critical role in shaping the strategy and success of the Bapcor Group.

In joining our team, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive business that spans more than 1,000 locations with over 5,000 team members across Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. We are passionate about our team, with safety and inclusivity at the forefront of everything we do. We’re also passionate about our customers, products, and living our values of:

• Doing the right thing
• Being in it together
• Giving a damn
• Getting it done

Job Description

We are embarking on a significant transformation across our Merchandise team and are expanding our team as we invest for growth.

As part of this, we are recruiting for multiple Category Manager roles, offering the opportunity to shape and lead key product portfolios within a fast-evolving environment. Some roles will carry enterprise-wide accountability for Bapcor category leadership, setting direction and driving performance across the Group.

This is a unique opportunity to join Bapcor at a pivotal time — to help build a high-performing team, influence how we operate, and deliver meaningful commercial outcomes.

About the role

As a Category Manager, you will take ownership of end-to-end category performance, driving sales, margin, inventory and availability outcomes. You will lead the development and execution of category strategies across range, pricing, promotions and supplier management.

Working in a highly collaborative environment, you will partner closely with Planning, Supply Chain, Sales and Operations to deliver strong execution and sustainable growth.

What You will do:

• Own end-to-end category performance, delivering against sales, margin, and inventory targets
• Develop and execute category strategies across range, pricing, promotions, and space
• Lead range reviews, SKU optimisation, and product lifecycle management
• Manage pricing and promotional plans to achieve commercial and growth objectives
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and performance data to inform decisions
• Build and manage supplier relationships, including negotiations and joint business planning
• Monitor forecasting, availability, and stock levels, proactively managing risks and supply issues
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure strong execution, service levels, and trading rhythm

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Category Manager or in a similar commercial role
• Strong commercial and analytical capability with a data-driven approach
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end category levers (range, pricing, promotions, inventory)
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to influence outcomes and drive alignment across multiple business areas
• Strong supplier management and negotiation capability
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, complex environments
• Experience in retail, distribution, or multi-site environments (automotive advantageous)

Additional Information

Why join Bapcor?

At Bapcor, we focus on what matters most for our customers, team members and the communities we serve. We go the extra mile to get the job done and always live our values.

In joining our team, you can access:

• Diverse career opportunities within the Bapcor Group
• Discounts across Bapcor products and services, including our Retail and Trade brands
• Industry leading policies to support your work/ life balance (gender neutral parental leave, purchase leave, volunteer leave etc…)
• Paid birthday leave
• Wellbeing support
• Novated leasing and more

We pride ourselves on our inclusive work environment, and encourage applications from people of all ages, cultures, gender identity, abilities and backgrounds, providing a recruitment experience that’s fair, free from bias and accessible. If you need to inquire about reasonable accommodation for the application process, please email [email protected]

While we understand that recruitment agencies would love to offer their support, we kindly request all agencies to refrain from contacting us regarding this job posting. All applications should be submitted directly by candidates.