Category Manager

About Bapcor

Bapcor Ltd is a major provider in the automotive aftermarket, supplying accessories, equipment, and services. Its portfolio includes some of the widest-ranging car parts brands globally, such as Burson, Autobarn, Midas, Truckline, Premier Auto Trade, and JAS.

The organisation is built around a people-first approach rather than being only automotive-focused. Its Melbourne-based corporate team contributes directly to the broader strategy and business success of the group.

Bapcor operates across more than 1,000 locations and employs over 5,000 people throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand. Safety, inclusion, customer focus, strong products, and company values sit at the centre of the business culture.

Our Values

• Do the right thing
• Be in it together
• Give a damn
• Get it done

Role Overview

The merchandise function is undergoing a major transformation, and the business is hiring several Category Manager positions as part of its growth investment. Some of these roles will include enterprise-level responsibility for category leadership across the group, helping shape direction and performance.

This is a high-impact opportunity to join at an important stage of change, contribute to building a strong team, and influence commercial outcomes across the business.

What the Role Involves

In this position, you will take full ownership of category performance, with responsibility for sales, margin, stock, and availability. You will also develop and deliver category plans covering product range, pricing, promotions, and supplier management.

You will work closely with Planning, Supply Chain, Sales, and Operations teams to ensure strong execution and support long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage overall category performance and deliver against sales, margin, and inventory objectives
• Create and roll out category strategies across assortment, pricing, promotions, and space
• Run range reviews, reduce SKU complexity where needed, and oversee product lifecycle decisions
• Shape pricing and promotional activity to support commercial and growth goals
• Review market movements, competitor activity, and performance insights to guide decisions
• Develop supplier partnerships, including negotiations and joint planning initiatives
• Track forecasting, stock availability, and inventory levels, while responding early to supply risks
• Work across functions to ensure effective execution, strong service, and consistent trading cadence

Candidate Profile

Suitable candidates will bring prior experience in category management or a comparable commercial role, along with a strong analytical mindset and commercially focused decision-making.

You should be comfortable managing the full set of category levers, including range, pricing, promotions, and stock. The role also requires confidence working with stakeholders across different business areas and the ability to influence outcomes and build alignment.

Strong supplier management and negotiation skills are important, as is the ability to work effectively in fast-moving and complex environments. Experience in retail, distribution, or multi-site businesses is preferred, and automotive exposure is considered an advantage.

Additional Information

Bapcor offers a range of benefits, including career opportunities across the wider group, staff discounts on retail and trade brands, and policies designed to support work-life balance such as gender-neutral parental leave, purchase leave, and volunteer leave. Additional benefits include paid birthday leave, wellbeing support, novated leasing, and more.

The company promotes an inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants of all ages, cultures, gender identities, abilities, and backgrounds. Recruitment is intended to be fair, accessible, and free from bias. Candidates seeking reasonable accommodations during the application process may contact the employer directly.

Applications are to be submitted by candidates themselves, and external recruitment agencies are requested not to contact the company regarding this vacancy.

Workplace Information

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia.