Anthony Liberto

Buying Manager at Officeworks - Computers

Working as Buyer within the Technology space, I currently look after the Computing and Mobile hardware portfolio. Dynamic, fast paced and heavily customer trend geared, these growing categories represent an important growth pillar for Officeworks.

As a National Product and Marketing Manager at Harvey Norman, I continued to work within the Computer Hardware industry. With the retail competitor landscape constantly changing along with customers needs, reinventing products, marketing and service model is critical to success. Within the role I was able to lead a passionate team, as well as help and support the wider division through training and development. With a keen focus on range rationalisation while still offering a Super Store choice helped to drive a more successful overall result for the division. A significant focus on shaping the marketing strategy for the category and that was presented products to customers was important. New category creations that I had driven, like the Modern PC, helped innovate and refresh the Computer Hardware Consumer and market. Using fresh and fun marketing techniques through both traditional and digital media streams has helped bring a category from an idea 2 years ago to a driving force within the industry, globally. The final 3 feet are just as important though and delivering on a strong in-store experience through layout, design and strength in sales person delivery of products to consumers is just as critical. This cannot be done without forging strong supplier relationships with some of the biggest brands within the retail industry.

Merchandise Manager for the Office division. The office division represented technology products ranging from Computer Hardware (Laptops, Desktops etc.), Tablets, Apple products, Printers, Cameras and Storage. The largest division within Dick Smith, representing over 40% of the businesses total turnover, was a complex division, fast paced and with many, high profile vendors. The portfolio was over $500mil in revenue with some of the largest brands within Consumer Electronics. With 4 direct reports (Buyers) and 6 indirect reports, helping support and manage, supporting and coaching the team was a very important function of the role. Providing strong leadership and training skills was a primary focus within the role and something that I prided myself on within the role. Guiding the team to achieve the best results possible within their categories to ensure the division achieved its budgets was critical to success. Developing strong vendor relationships was another important part of the role, building on the relationships developed as a Buyer. Working closely with the senior management of vendors is integral to business success and ensuring planning & marketing alignments are forged to deliver strong results for both parties.

Senior Category Manager for one of the largest buyer portfolios in Dick Smith for Computer Hardware, Computer Software and Apple (iPad/iPod/Mac/iTunes) across both the AU and NZ business. This portfolio requires detailed and comprehensive work with large technology partners to help deliver these products to the market. The categories have also been identified as a key pillar and growth area of the Dick Smith business, particularly as it extends its footprint through Move, David Jones and other ventures. The priority of this role is to deliver the best product, at the best price to our customers at all times, while maintaing a strong profit outcome for the business. The portfolio's dynamic nature means managing OTB budgets and overall stock objectives is critical to the ongoing success of the categories. The role is also heavily influenced by what we present through our marketing and in-store programs to assist the customer decision making process as well as bring the products to life.

Business Manager for Navigation and Portable Audio (including Kindle/iPod/MP3/Headphones). I am responsible for managing these product portfolio's across both AU & NZ. This includes working with various suppliers both locally and internationally, including our product sourcing team based in Hong Kong.

I was responsible for assisting the buyer in managing the Apple iPad and Mac business across AUS/NZ as well as the Computer business in NZ. This involves working strategically with our partners to form business strategies, consulting on product, introducing new lines into the business and managing our product portfolio. I am more heavily involved in the marketing of these products in brochure/TV/press to support the sell through of our range.

Worked through the business from Christmas Casual level assisting in customer service, Music & DVD's and Photo Lab. Worked as a Department Manager for Music & DVD's for one year before commencing at Support Office as a Merchandise Assistant for Music & DVD's in 2010. In 2011 moved to Gaming Hardware/Software and Accessories before moving to Assistant Business Manager Level for that category (as above).