Assistant Iba Category Manager

**Joining the Metcash Family**

At Metcash, you’re **_part of something bigger_**. You get all the perks of a small business heart, without missing out on the big business support.

**Independent Brands Australia (IBA)** is the retailer arm of **Metcash's** liquor pillar. We're the largest network of independent liquor retailers in Australia, supporting Cellarbrations, The Bottle-O, IGA Liquor, Porters Liquor, Thirsty Camel and Duncans.

At IBA, being part of something bigger means making a real difference to local retailers, businesses and the communities we serve. We support a wide range of independently owned liquor stores, helping them compete with the large chains and thrive in a dynamic market.

When you join the IBA network you’re not just working with a family business, you’re joining becoming a champion for the locals and getting backed by the strength of the Metcash Group. That backing means access to industry expertise, development opportunities and a platform to grow your career and make your mark. Whether you're on the retail floor, in store support or behind the scenes, you're helping to champion successful independents across Australia.

**About the Opportunity**

Are you passionate about retail strategy, supplier partnerships, and delivering real value? Metcash is looking for a commercially minded and results-driven Assistant IBA Category Manager
- Beer & Cider to join our liquor team and help champion our independent retailers on a 12 month fixed term contract.

In this pivotal role, you’ll work side-by-side with the Category Manager to embed our category strategies across the IBA network. Your day-to-day will include developing and executing shopper-led programs, negotiating with suppliers to secure compelling offers, and building promotional plans that support strong retailer margins. You’ll be responsible for managing relationships with selected suppliers and serving as the key category contact for internal stakeholders - ensuring alignment, execution, and continuous improvement.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone ready to step up, grow in a dynamic environment, and contribute to a category that plays a vital role in the success of our independent liquor network.

**In this Role**
- Contribute to category strategy development by analysing market trends, sales data, and supplier input to support shopper-led initiatives
- Develop and implement category programs aligned with channel priorities, ensuring effective execution across all promotional and retail activity
- Deliver compelling promotional plans that support retailer margin expectations and enhance the overall value proposition
- Conduct regular trading reviews to assess category performance and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement
- Manage key supplier relationships, including commercial negotiations, profitability analysis, and execution of Joint Business Plans
- Collaborate with internal teams including Marketing, Business Managers, and State teams to ensure seamless alignment and execution of category plans
- Support commercial outcomes by assisting Category Coordinators in building high-performing promotional programs that drive sales and value
- Act as a key support to the Category Manager, representing the category in supplier and committee meetings, and providing backup as needed

**You’re Likely a Match If**
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in the FMCG industry; liquor industry experience is highly regarded
- Prior experience in a buying, account management, or sales role
- Exposure to category management processes and practices
- Proven ability to negotiate effectively with external stakeholders or suppliers
- Excellent time management and organisational skills to manage multiple priorities

**Life at Metcash**

**Experience a supportive and flexible work environment. We are a FlexReady accredited workplace

Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave every year after your first 6 months.

Benefit from 2 well-being days and 1 volunteer day annually.

An abundance of learning, development, and career growth opportunities.

12 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave for primary carers.

Proudly awarded “Bronze Employer for LGBTQ Inclusion”..
- ️A neutral gender pay gap of under 5% as published by WGEA 2023-2024

Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia.

Incredible value discounts and perks through our team member benefits program.

**About Us**

Metcash is Australia’s leading wholesale distribution company, with revenue exceeding $18 billion in FY24. We’re also an ASX top 100 listed company.

We believe that it is absolutely vital to Australia that there is a sustainable, independent, family-owned business sector. Independent retailers support their local communities. We help them to be the ‘Best Store in Their Town’ by providing merchandising, operational and marketing support across our food, liquor and hardware pillars.

**_ Join us and become part of something bigger_**

LI-CVI #INFLA #LI-Hybrid