Category Manager - Solar

At Schréder, we’ve been illuminating cities, industries, and communities for over a century. As pioneers in smart, sustainable lighting, our technology powers safer streets, efficient infrastructure, and vibrant public spaces in more than 71 countries.

With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, we’re helping the world transition to smarter, greener urban ecosystems—reducing energy use, cutting carbon emissions, and protecting what matters most.

Be part of our mission to transform how the world lights up—creating solutions that strengthen communities, support the planet, and shape the future of intelligent lighting.

We are a leading commercial lighting company expanding into the solar space, and we're looking for a Category Manager who is technical, analytical, and highly process-driven. In this role, you will build the structure and systems needed to support scalable growth of our solar offering. You’ll refine and grow the product range, streamline manufacturing and ordering workflows, improve communication across departments, and ensure documentation is clear, accurate, and repeatable.

This position sits behind the scenes and focuses on strategic thinking, process ownership, and operational discipline rather than front-facing selling. Customer interaction will occur only in planned technical discussions or structured meetings. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys working methodically, improving systems, and turning complexity into order.

• 4+ years in category management, procurement, product management, commercial operations, or similar
• Technical knowledge of solar, electrical, battery systems, or energy products
• Strong experience with ERP, CRM, or product data management systems
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain documentation and scalable processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to be clear, structured, and logical
• Full working rights in Australia

Desirable:

• Experience working with overseas suppliers or contract manufacturers
• Exposure to solar, lighting, or adjacent technical industries
• Proven success building range frameworks, product selection logic, or forecasting models

What You’ll Do

1. Category & Product Ownership

• Lead strategy and performance for the solar product line
• Analyse product data and identify opportunities for range improvements and expansion
• Manage the full product lifecycle, from sourcing to phase-out.

2. Process & System Development

• Build and maintain robust documentation: SOPs, process maps, internal playbooks, technical sheets, compliance files.
• Create repeatable workflows for ordering, manufacturing, and product management
• Improve internal communication between sales, operations, supply chain, and purchasing.

3. Forecasting & Commercial Governance

• Own forecasting discipline for demand, pricing, inventory, and margin modelling
• Validate assumptions with sales, finance, and supply chain stakeholders.
• Improve stock planning accuracy and streamline cost-to-market planning.

4. Supplier & Technical Management

• Maintain strong supplier relationships, including overseas manufacturers.
• Ensure all products meet Australian regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Oversee technical data accuracy, certifications, and documentation.

5. Collaboration & Internal Support

• Support sales with technical clarity, not by selling, but by enabling better customer discussions and correct product selection.
• Attend planned customer meetings and industry events as required.
• Maintain structured communication rhythms: dashboards, weekly snapshots, stakeholder updates.

Who You Are

• Thinks in systems and structure, not one-off solutions
• Takes pride in documentation accuracy and process discipline
• Communicates clearly and confidently — especially when managing expectations with internal stakeholders
• Enjoys improving workflows and eliminating ambiguity
• Prefers order over improvisation

Respect is one of our Values. Our commitment to inclusivity goes hand in hand with our dedication to sustainability and the environment. Inclusivity is part of who we are, so we encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities.

At Schréder, we commit ourselves to co-creating an environment where passionate people work and win together, learn and have fun. Let Join us!