Senior Inventory Retail Assistant

ROLE SUMMARY At Petdirect, we are a high-growth eCommerce and retail leader, redefining the shopping experience for New Zealand's pet parents. As a future-focused, digital-first business, we leverage AI and cutting-edge technology to streamline workflows and provide a top-tier customer journey. Proudly Kiwi-owned, our team of "PetSters" is driven by a shared mission to enhance the lives of pets and their families. Recently named one of New Zealand's Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in our award-winning culture and aim to reflect those values in everything we do. As a Senior Inventory Retail Assistant, you will take full ownership of the store's stock operations, ensuring every process is executed with precision and efficiency. You serve as the engine room of store availability - managing accurate stock records, overseeing receipting, and optimising inventory levels to meet customer demand and keep pace with our busy promotional calendar. This role is both practical and detail-heavy, requiring someone who is as passionate about animals as they are about retail excellence. While you lead the inventory function, you are also a key face on the floor - engaging with customers, offering expert advice, and collaborating with your teammates to create an outstanding in-store environment. Beyond these core focus areas, you may be asked to support other projects as the business grows, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to the needs of our pet-loving community. This position is a 40-hour a week role, working Monday to Friday and will be based out of our new flagship store located at the 5 Mile Shopping Centre in Frankton. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Stock on Hand (SOH) Accuracy Maintain accurate stock on hand records across all categories at all times. Conduct regular cycle counts and full stocktakes, investigating and resolving any discrepancies promptly. Adjust SOH records in the inventory management system with accuracy and appropriate sign-off. Identify and action zero or negative SOH entries to ensure system integrity. Work with the Retail Operations Lead and Store Management team to support dead stock identification and SOH correction across the store. Expiry Management Implement and maintain a robust FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation system across all perishable and short-shelf-life products. Conduct regular expiry audits across the store and stockroom, flagging and removing any out-of-date product. Escalate expiry concerns to the Store Manager and relevant Retail Operations Lead with timely communication. Maintain clear records of expiry-related write-offs and work to minimise waste through proactive rotation. Direct to Store (DTS) Delivery Receipting Receive, check, and receipt all direct to store deliveries accurately and in a timely manner. Verify delivered quantities against purchase orders and supplier documentation, raising discrepancies immediately. Ensure all receipted stock is correctly processed in the inventory system before product hits the floor. Coordinate with the Store Manager and suppliers to resolve short deliveries, overages, and damaged goods. Maintain a clean, organised receiving area and adhere to all health and safety requirements during delivery processes. Min & Max Stock Level Management Own and actively manage min and max stock level settings in the inventory system for your store. Review and adjust settings regularly to reflect current and forecast sales velocity, avoiding both overstock and out-of-stock situations. Anticipate demand changes driven by seasonality, supplier lead times, and shifting customer behaviour. Proactively increase min/max settings ahead of promotional campaigns, product launches, and peak trading periods. Collaborate with the Retail Operations Lead and Store Management team to align stock settings with broader ranging decisions. Monitor sell-through rates and adjust settings post-promotion to avoid excess inventory build-up. Promotional Campaign & Uplift Planning Review upcoming promotional activity and plan stock requirements in advance to ensure sufficient inventory is on hand. Liaise with the Retail Operations Lead and Store Management team ahead of campaigns to confirm expected uplift volumes and delivery schedules. Ensure promotional product is correctly positioned, priced, and signed in store ahead of campaign go-live dates. Monitor sell-through during promotional periods and elevate concerns around stock shortfalls or excess to the appropriate team member. Conduct post-promotion reviews to assess actual vs expected uplift and inform future planning. Stockroom Organisation & Maintenance Maintain a consistently clean, organised, and safe stockroom environment at all times. Implement and uphold a logical, clearly labelled storage system that enables the whole team to locate stock efficiently. Ensure all stock is stored safely, with heavy items on appropriate shelving and clear walkways maintained throughout. Conduct regular stockroom audits and address any areas of disorder or health and safety risk promptly. Champion a high-standard stockroom culture within the team, leading by example and holding others to the same standard. Shop Floor & Customer Responsibilities Provide warm, knowledgeable customer service - you are a visible and trusted face of Petdirect in-store. Share genuine product knowledge to help customers make the best choices for their pets. Support the team during busy periods, contributing to sales floor tasks, replenishment, and visual merchandising. Represent Petdirect's values and brand standards in every customer interaction. Act as a senior team member - support, mentor, and positively influence those around you. WHO YOU ARE Attention to Detail: You take pride in accuracy - SOH records, expiry checks, and delivery receipting are always done right the first time. Ownership & Accountability: You own your area of the business. Problems don't sit - you identify them, elevate when needed, and follow through. Organisational Excellence: The stockroom reflects your standards. You create and maintain systems that make everyone's job easier. Commercial Awareness: You understand how stock levels directly impact sales and customer experience, and you act accordingly. Communication: You communicate clearly with your Store Manager, the Retail Operations Lead, and suppliers - proactively, not reactively. Customer Focus: Even with your head in the stockroom, you show up for customers and your team on the floor. Initiative & Adaptability: Sales change, promos land, demand shifts - you stay ahead of it and adapt your approach without being prompted. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Essential Previous experience in a retail or inventory/stock management role. Demonstrated ability to manage stock accurately, including receipting, cycle counting, and system updates. High level of attention to detail and confidence working with inventory management systems. Strong organisational skills and the ability to maintain order in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication skills - able to work cross-functionally with store and category teams. A genuine passion for animals and delivering great customer service. Desirable Experience working with min/max replenishment systems or similar inventory planning tools. Background in pet retail, pet care, or a related animal industry. Experience supporting promotional campaigns from a stock and supply perspective. Familiarity with DTS (direct to store) supplier processes and delivery management. OUR STANDARDS Seek 1%ers: We embrace continuous learning and strive to improve every day, no matter how small the gain. Act with purpose: We are intentional in our decisions and actions, always keeping the customer at the centre. Be collaborative: We work as one team - respectfully, openly, and with a shared commitment to success. Take responsibility: We own our actions and outcomes, demonstrating accountability at every level. Get it right: We hold ourselves to high standards by prioritising quality and accuracy in everything we do. WHY JOIN PETDIRECT Join one of New Zealand's Best Places to Work 2025 (medium business), recognised for our culture, leadership, and employee experience. Be part of a future-focused business that genuinely embraces technology and AI - and encourages you to do the same. Work in a dynamic, pet-loving, collaborative culture that moves fast and celebrates initiative. Enjoy regular morning teas, social activities, and plenty of four-legged visitors at our newest flagship store. Access generous staff discounts and real opportunities to grow as we expand our store network nationwide. ABOUT PETDIRECT We are a team of pet enthusiasts dedicated to making life easier for pet parents. Our journey started as an online-only business, but we have now expanded into brick-and-mortar retail, with our first four stores now open and ambitious plans to grow our physical presence across New Zealand. We pride ourselves on offering exceptional service, high-quality products, and expert advice to help Kiwi pet parents make the best choices for their furry family members. As we expand, our commitment remains the same: to be a trusted partner for pet lovers across the country. Join us as we continue to build a market-leading e-commerce and retail experience for pet parents in New Zealand. petdirect.co.nz #J-18808-Ljbffr