Department Manager

Role overview

Join Bunnings and get a look at the business from the customer side of the counter. This full-time, on-site Department Manager role in Timaru, Canterbury is focused on leading day-to-day department operations, driving sales, and overseeing high-volume stock control within a specialist area. You will work alongside other department leaders across areas such as Service, Inside the Home, Builders, and Lifestyles & Garden, while reporting to the Operations Manager and Complex Manager.

You and your team of 20+ people will be expected to keep the department organised, efficient, and customer-focused. The role plays a key part in improving service and operations by coaching and developing the team, delivering an excellent customer experience, and making sure the department reflects the widest range and best prices.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily department activity, including sales performance, stock management, and operational execution.
• Lead and support a team of more than 20 members to create a safe, engaged, and productive workplace.
• Carry duty manager responsibilities, including opening and closing the store on weekdays and weekends.
• Build team capability through coaching, performance discussions, recognition, and clear expectations.
• Manage rostering and planning so the team can deliver the service promise and meet customer demand.
• Improve department sales through effective merchandising and tracking of key performance measures.
• Respond to customer feedback and use it to strengthen the end-to-end shopping experience.
• Maintain strong stock accuracy through replenishment discipline, stock adjustments, and loss prevention processes.
• Monitor customer service standards and work with Merchandising, Store Leadership, Health and Safety, and suppliers.

What we're looking for

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated leader with strong influencing skills, a hands-on approach, and the ability to work with multiple stakeholders. Prior experience leading teams in retail or another large, high-volume customer-focused environment is preferred, especially where safety, wellbeing, and specialist products are involved. You should be comfortable managing KPI-driven performance while maintaining a positive, healthy workplace.

This role requires a leader who can balance many responsibilities, inspire a large team, and consistently exceed customer expectations.

Working pattern and conditions

This position includes a minimum of one in every three weekends on roster, and some public holiday work will also be required.

Application process

• Submit your application and complete a 20-minute online chat interview.
• If shortlisted, the next step is a 15-minute online video interview.
• If successful, you will be invited to an on-site meet and greet with the leadership team, lasting around 30 minutes.

Inclusion and support

Bunnings promotes a workplace where people feel they belong and values diversity across age, culture, ability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The company welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive culture shaped by its values, including respect for te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and the whenua it operates on.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, support is available. Candidates with strong experience, skills, and drive are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every listed requirement.

About Bunnings

Bunnings is a leading retailer of home improvement and lifestyle products in Australia and New Zealand, supporting builders, trade professionals, and the housing industry through stores, trade centres, frame and truss sites, and online channels. The company’s purpose is to inspire people to give things a red hot go, whether that means growing its team, helping customers tackle new projects, or supporting communities.

Additional information

Bunnings may close applications at any time, so early interest is encouraged. Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies are not accepted because hiring is managed internally. If offered the role, background checks may be required, which can include police, employment, medical, and qualification checks. Any police record found will be assessed against the requirements of the role.

Perks and benefits

• Team discount at Bunnings and other Wesfarmers brands, including Kmart.
• Access to more than 100 exclusive team member benefits across health, shopping, travel, stay, wealth, work, and leave.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of gender.
• Annual festive gifts, discounted food and drinks at the Bunnings Cafe, and travelling store team member opportunities.
• Clear career pathways with room to grow across the business.