Buying & Product Development Assistant
- 500427
- Sydney, NSW
- permanent full time
- Closing on: 20 Nov 2026
Who are we?
Are Direct is the largest independent distributor and wholesaler of printed media in Australia and New Zealand, on behalf of local and international magazine publishers, Are Direct, expertly manages the distribution and promotion of millions of magazines into over 3,000 retailers throughout New Zealand.
Are Direct is a core business within Are Media. Our portfolio includes some of Australia’s most iconic and trusted brands, including The Australian Women’s Weekly, ELLE, marie claire, New Idea, Australian House & Garden, Bounty Parents, Better Homes & Gardens and more!
We are Australia’s leading omnichannel content company for women! Every day we inform, inspire and connect with 9 in 10 Australian women through magazine media, digital, video, social, e-commerce, vodcasts, events and experiences.
What we can offer you
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We welcome the opportunity to explore flexible work options where appropriate, depending on the needs of the business.
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Additional paid leave, including a day off to celebrate your birthday, four days of volunteer leave each year, and inclusive leave provisions supporting reproductive, hormonal and wellbeing needs, as well as First Nations cultural and ceremonial commitments.
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Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks, plus a parenting gift pack, meal vouchers and return-to-work support.
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Opportunities to grow and develop, with access to tailored learning pathways, mentoring, Lunch & Learns, our Digital Learning Academy and professional development support.
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A comprehensive wellbeing program including EAP, Mental Health First Aiders, and a personalised online wellbeing portal with assessments, resources and lifestyle plans.
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Exclusive benefits and discounts, including Fitness Passport memberships, discounted health insurance, beauty services, technology and a range of lifestyle offers through our benefits partner Flare.
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A genuinely inclusive culture, supported through our BELONG @ Are program, where everyone is welcomed, valued and empowered to be their authentic selves.
The Role
Kick-start your career in buying and product development with Are Media's distribution arm, Are Direct!
This is a great first step into a career in buying and product development, giving you hands-on exposure to how products move from an initial idea through sourcing, development and ultimately into market.
As Merchandise Product Coordinator within Are Direct’s buying team, you’ll support the development of private-label and exclusive product ranges across multiple categories. Working closely with the Head Buyer and broader Buying, Marketing and Operations teams, you’ll help coordinate the overseas product development program by working with suppliers, factories and sourcing agents to bring new products and ranges to life. The role spans product development, range planning, supplier coordination, sales analysis, compliance and product launches.
It’s an entry-level opportunity for someone who wants to build a career in buying. You don’t need to arrive knowing the ins and outs of overseas sourcing, freight or product compliance; what matters is that you’re commercially curious, highly organised and keen to learn the buying process from the ground up.
What you’ll be doing
- Coordinate product development across private-label and exclusive ranges, managing samples, product information, range plans, approvals and launch timelines from concept through to market.
- Work with overseas suppliers, factories and sourcing agents to coordinate quotations, specifications, samples, production timelines and orders, building your knowledge of international sourcing along the way.
- Support commercial decision-making through sales reporting, trend and competitor analysis and range planning, helping the Buying team identify new product and category opportunities.
- Bring new products to market by coordinating product data, testing and QA documentation, packaging and imagery, and working across Marketing, Ecommerce, Operations, Freight and inventory teams to ensure everything is ready for launch.
About you
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- Around a year of experience in a commercial, retail, wholesale, customer service or office environment, with a genuine ambition to build a career in buying and product development.
- Strong organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to keep multiple products, samples, deadlines and stakeholders moving at once.
- Confidence working with numbers and information, including Excel and reporting, with an interest in analysing sales, trends and product performance.
- A proactive, collaborative approach and strong communication skills; you’re comfortable following things up, building relationships and, most importantly, keen to learn.
Are Media is a proud member of Media Diversity Australia, a not-for-profit organisation working towards a media landscape that looks and sounds like Australia. We are committed to fostering diverse, respectful, collaborative & inclusive workplace. We know & value the success this brings for everyone, and we welcome & encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. When you apply, please let us know of any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.
If you would like to know more, please contact our People & Culture Team – peopleandculture@aremedia.com.au
We are unable to accept email applications, please ensure that you submit your application via the online portal.