Children's Books Category Manager (12-Month Parental Cover)

Dymocks Retail is a nationally recognised multi-channel retail brand with over 40 locally owned and operated stores across Australia. The largest bookselling network in Australia, we pride ourselves on providing the best experience for our customers through our extensive range of books, gifts, and stationery.

A rare opportunity has opened for a passionate children's book buying specialist to join our national buying team as a Category Manager! We are looking for a talented individual to start in December or Early January 2026 and run through on a 12-month (full-time) fixed term contract covering parental leave. 

Reporting to the Merchandise Manager (Books), our new Category Manager will be responsible for buying for the children's category for the Dymocks retail network and from a key part of the book buying team. 

We are looking for a passionate, knowledgeable and commercially minded individual, who will be responsible for:

• Managing all aspects of buying and promotion for all children’s categories at a national level with a view to improving sales and Profitability
• Utilising your knowledge of and passion for the book market to maximise margins and add real value to our Franchise Owners and Company stores
• Maintaining our existing relationships with external stakeholders and forming new partnerships with suppliers who fit our retail store’s mix of products
• Supporting and liaising with Franchise Owners and stores on all aspects of buying and stock management
• Negotiating additional offers, promotions, margins and improved commercial terms with our partners and suppliers which will see Dymocks Retail maintain its unique and varied market position
• Play an integral role in creating and implementing a children’s book strategy that responds to the current challenges in the children’s book market.
• Working with the internal Merchandise, Marketing and Digital teams to create a promotions calendar that will not only achieve our targets but maximise the results, including but not limited to Books of the Month and Dymocks Kids Top 51.
• Conducting sales and market share analysis for current and recent promotions
• Reviewing buying processes to ensure maximum efficiencies

As the successful candidate you will bring: 

• 3 years plus buying experience in managing categories of products at a national level within a retail or wholesale environment.
• Previous experience in the book industry (retail or publishing).
• A genuine passion for books and non-book markets.
• Demonstrated experience driving results and achieving financial targets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, meet tight deadlines and maintain a strong focus on the detail.
• Advanced skills with the suite of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

When applying for the role please include a cover letter outlining your interest in working with Dymocks and your relevant Buying experience. Please also specifically address the following questions:

• What will you bring to this role and Dymocks?

Applications that do not include a cover letter and do not address the specific question will not be considered.

If you have the drive, passion and willingness to achieve instrumental results, then apply now!

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