General Manager, Merchandise (Pacific Optics)

About Pacific Optics We're a leading provider of consumer lifestyle, electronics, and accessories products across Australia and New Zealand. We partner with major retailers, petrol and convenience outlets, and eCommerce platforms, delivering trend‑led products across consumer electronics, sunglasses, mobile and tech accessories, outdoor and leisure, lighting, and personal care.

The Opportunity We're seeking a commercially astute General Manager of Merchandise to own our product strategy from concept to cash. This is a senior leadership role where you'll drive category growth, shape our product portfolio, and forge strategic partnerships with Australia and New Zealand's leading retailers.

Reporting to the CEO, you'll lead Commercial Planning, Product Management and Design teams while driving measurable impact across revenue, margin, and market presence.

What You’ll Own

Category Strategy & NPD – Drive revenue and margin growth across all product lines. Lead new product development from concept to launch. Identify market opportunities and emerging trends that unlock competitive advantage.

Product Lifecycle & Commercial Execution – Optimize pricing, manage range reviews, and lead product rationalization. Partner with Supply Chain to reduce inventory risk and protect margin.

Insights & Analytics – Build a data‑driven insights framework. Translate market intelligence and consumer research into actionable product, pricing, and marketing strategies.

Trade Execution – In partnership with the sales team, collaborate with retail partners on joint business planning and trade marketing activation to support customer sell‑through.

Strategic Partnerships – Negotiate at GM‑level with key retail partners. Build supplier relationships that deliver quality, continuity, and competitive terms.

Leadership – Lead and develop your team and foster innovation, accountability, and high performance.

What You Bring

Proven senior leadership in merchandising, product management, or category management within retail or FMCG

Track record leading full product lifecycles—sourcing, buying, pricing, launch, optimization

Demonstrated success negotiating with strategic retail partners and major clients

Strong commercial acumen balancing creative vision with financial discipline

Outstanding leadership building and developing high‑performing teams

Data‑informed decision‑making with the confidence to act boldly

Experience with consumer electronics, sunglasses, accessories, or lifestyle products; offshore supplier management (Asia‑Pacific); CRM and analytics platform expertise.

Why Pacific Optics?

Real Impact: P&L‑shaping, strategy‑driving leadership position with genuine authority

Great Team: Passionate, capable people who invest in growth and support each other

Gold Coast Lifestyle: Burleigh Heads office, hybrid working (3 days in‑office)

Growth Journey: Ambitious plans and the autonomy to make them happen

Location: Burleigh Heads, Queensland

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Role Type: Permanent, Full‑time | Hybrid (3 days in‑office)

Pacific Optics is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, inclusion, and innovation. We value diversity and ensure equal opportunity in employment.

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application encouraged.

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