Category Manager - Industrial Hose & Connectors

About the Role

Based in Rocklea, Brisbane, this position offers a salary package of $165,000 plus superannuation and bonus. The role involves ownership and strategic leadership of a crucial product category across the Asia Pacific region within the industrial hose and connectors sector. Reporting directly to the General Manager (GM) of the portfolio, the candidate will oversee category strategy, reinforce supplier relationships, and execute portfolio harmonisation after recent acquisitions.

Within a matrix organisational structure, the Category Manager will guide a team of Product Managers and collaborate closely with sales, supply chain, and technical teams to promote growth, enhance profitability, and secure long-term success. The role requires championing a unified customer offering and driving consistent category frameworks throughout the region.

Key Duties

• Create and implement the Asia Pacific industrial hose and connectors category strategy aimed at sustainable growth and profitability.
• Establish and maintain strong strategic supplier partnerships, negotiate commercial contracts, and discover new market avenues.
• Optimize product offerings including range selection, pricing strategies, private label development, and product alignment across territories.
• Collaborate with sales, supply chain, and internal stakeholders to enhance category effectiveness, manage inventory, and improve commercial results.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Product Managers, offering technical expertise throughout the organisation.
• Analyse market trends, customer feedback, and competitors' actions to spot growth opportunities and support commercial objectives.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have solid experience in industrial hose, connectors, hydraulics, or fluid power industries. Proven leadership in product or category management within technical settings is essential. They should demonstrate strong commercial insight, strategic thinking, and the ability to cultivate supplier relationships and convert market data into profitable initiatives.

Expertise in influencing stakeholders within a matrix framework, challenging established practices, and delivering impactful changes is required. Leadership skills, commercial negotiation capabilities, and a collaborative mindset are vital to success. Qualifications in Business, Marketing, or related fields are valuable, though industry knowledge and commercial insight are paramount.

Culture and Benefits

The company is a leading industrial engineering business in the Asia Pacific, supported by a global organisation providing stability and resources. The workplace encourages leadership empowerment, ownership, and the development of high-performing talent.

• Take ownership of a vital product category across Asia Pacific.
• Opportunities for career advancement, as exemplified by prior promotion of the previous incumbent to General Manager.
• Enjoy a hybrid working environment, a collaborative culture, and a competitive package including $165k base salary plus superannuation and bonuses.