Spotlight Group is seeking an experienced, commercially driven leader to join our business and lead a team of buyers to deliver exceptional outcomes across Fabric and Sewing.
This role is ideal for a hands‑on, entrepreneurial leader who thinks like an owner, thrives on accountability, and is motivated by building a category as if it were their own business.
What’s on offer
- Iconic Australian‑owned global retail business – over 140 stores across 3 countries
- Lead and grow a passionate team of buyers, setting and executing end‑to‑end merchandise strategy
- Hybrid work model (week in, week out) plus Profit Share Scheme
About the Role
Spotlight Retail Group (SRG) is looking for a visionary, growth‑oriented leader to step into the role of Business Development Manager – Sew Centre.
Based in our vibrant South Melbourne support office, this is a high‑impact leadership role with full commercial ownership of the Fabric & Sewing categories. You will lead a team of four Buyers and multiple planning support roles, driving market share growth, innovation, and profitable outcomes across our global store network.
This is a role for someone who enjoys building, evolving, and optimising a business, not just maintaining it.
What You Will Be Doing
As a key driver of commercial success, you will operate with an owner’s mindset, taking accountability for both strategy and results.
- Entrepreneurial Leadership: Own the Fabric & Sewing categories end‑to‑end, identifying growth opportunities, challenging the status quo, and acting decisively to deliver results.
- Strategic Direction: Develop and execute market‑wide strategies with a strong focus on long‑term growth, market share expansion, and customer relevance.
- Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and inspire a team of four Buyers and planning support roles, fostering a culture of accountability, curiosity, and commercial thinking.
- Merchandise Ownership: Set and deliver the overarching merchandise strategy, balancing innovation, speed‑to‑market, and core commercial fundamentals.
- Financial Accountability: Manage the category as a business, using strong financial acumen and analytical insight to drive sustainable profit and return on investment.
- Negotiation & Influence: Build and leverage strong supplier and stakeholder relationships, negotiating outcomes that support both immediate performance and long‑term value.
- Global Connectivity: Travel domestically and internationally to identify trends, source innovation, and strengthen supplier partnerships.
About You
You are a commercially minded leader who treats your category like your own business and thrives in an environment where performance, initiative, and ownership are valued.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: You naturally think like an owner—proactive, accountable, and motivated by building and growing a category, not just managing it.
- Proven Leader: Demonstrated experience leading and developing high‑performing buying or commercial teams.
- Category Expertise: Significant experience in Apparel buying with strong textile knowledge (essential).
- Commercial & Analytical Strength: Highly capable of interpreting complex data and turning insight into action.
- Negotiation & Influence: Confident operating at a senior level, with a track record of successful commercial negotiations.
- Eligibility: Unrestricted working rights in Australia.
Why Join Us?
At SRG, we combine the reach of a global retail leader with the heart of a family-run business. We offer a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your insights directly influence the strategy of Australia’s most loved brands.
- Performance Rewards: Competitive salary + Profit Share schemes.
- The Ultimate Discount: Generous team discounts across all SRG brands (Spotlight, Anaconda, Harris Scarfe).
- Modern Flexibility: A vibrant South Melbourne HQ with a flexible hybrid working model.
- Growth-Focused: Real career progression and mentoring in a market-leading organization.
- Holistic Wellbeing: Access to EAP and gym membership discounts to keep you at your best.
Who We Are
Spotlight Group Holdings (SRG) is Australia's largest privately-owned and operated family business, comprising of the Spotlight Retail Group, the Spotlight Property Group, Spotlight Direct Investments and the Spotlight Charitable Foundation.
Comprising of the long term existing iconic brands of Spotlight, Anaconda & Harris Scarfe, we are acknowledged as one of the market leaders within the Australian retail Space.
Apply Now!
Ready to take the next step in your analytical marketing career? Click Apply to submit your resume and cover letter.
Note: Candidates must have unrestricted working rights in Australia. No agency inquiries, please.
