NightOwl is an Australian owned and operated Franchise Network who has built a solid reputation in the retail sector and celebrating 50 years this year Today we boast 80+ stores, consisting of a combination of traditional convenience and convenience & petroleum sites.
As Merchandising Manager, you will lead both the Buying and Marketing functions of the business, taking ownership of strategic direction and operational execution across these areas. You will oversee a high performing team of six, guiding them to deliver results that align with the company's strategic vision. This role is central to shaping and implementing effective category strategies, managing product range and planograms, strengthening supplier partnerships, and ensuring cohesive alignment between merchandising plans and promotional activity.
With a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and market dynamics, you will identify opportunities to maximise both sales and margins. Your leadership will help ensure that our merchandising and marketing efforts are proactive, insight driven, and executed in a way that drives sustainable success, creates positive brand experience and competitive advantage for the NightOwl network.
Key responsibilities:
* Analyse category performance and competitor activity to uncover opportunities for growth, innovation, and differentiation.
* Develop annual promotional plans, including launch calendars, sales targets and campaign overviews.
* Negotiate and maintain trade agreements, trading terms, promotional funding and rebates
* Identify and onboard new suppliers to expand and enhance category offerings in line with consumer demand.
* Collaborate closely key stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of merchandising plans and promotional activity.
* Act as a key liaison between suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment, transparency, and timely communication.
* Monitor and report on performance metrics including sales, margin, and promotional ROI to inform decision making.
* Present performance updates to senior leadership, highlighting achievements, risks, and opportunities.
The ideal candidate:
* A degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (preferred but not essential).
* Minimum 5 years' experience in buying, category management, or merchandising within FMCG, retail, or convenience sectors.
* Demonstrated success in supplier negotiation and relationship management to secure competitive terms.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable category strategies.
* Proven leadership capabilities, with experience managing or mentoring team members.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills across internal and external partners.
* A customer-first mindset with a clear understanding of commercial drivers and consumer behaviour.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead marketing for a well-established brand with a loyal customer base. Ready to lead the next chapter of NightOwl's story?
If this role sounds like you, we encourage you to APPLY NOW.