State Buyer

At Metcash Food, we’re the power behind local business, proudly supplying over 1600 independently owned stores in every corner of Australia and New Zealand. With a range of trusted independent brands like IGA, Foodland and Campbells/C-Store, our stores sit at the heart of their communities, providing locals with the products and homegrown produce they love most.

Job Description

In this role you will develop, negotiate and implement state promotional activities and business plans for defined categories.

You are responsible for the delivery of a program that realizes state sales (warehouse and retail), retailer gross profit and budgeted income objectives, under a national category management framework. 

What you’ll do

Formulate promotional programs, reviews and evaluations, while ensuring that the National strategy is complemented by State category initiates

• Negotiate with suppliers to provide successful state category promotional strategies in line with trading agreements, aligned with the National strategy
• Remain up-to-date with and interpret market category data, including competitor price checks to ensure competitiveness and strategy relevance to localize needs
• Analyze data and evaluate promotional activity to determine category implications and

Manage supplier relationships

• Manage vendor relations in regards to business plan objectives & commitments, maximize income and deals through negotiations
• Ensure that all deals undertaken are aligned to National strategy including state based top-up deals for both state and national suppliers
• End-to-end management of all state based supplier promotional programs

Financial management

• Achieve sales budgets for warehouse and retail sales areas. Proactively drive opportunities to exceed budgets where possible
• Seek to grow market share within the State for allocated product categories while growing network gross profit by ensuring that stock on hand and stock profit strategies are realised
• Maintain agreed service levels and review internal and external data to ensure that service level targets are achieved

Undertake category analysis

• Understand shopper ranging and provide insights to retailers and to national category managers
• Encourage product distribution to retailers via sharing of trends & highlighting benefits to the retailers

Maintain effective lines of communication

• Ensure Metcash is always portrayed in a professional and positive light when dealing with all external parties
• Ensure communications, whether by email, phone or verbal, are actioned within reasonable timeframes

Ensure OHS policy and procedures are adhered to

• Comply with all State / Federal legislation with regard to CoR, Food Safety, Injury Management and Health and Safety (including all audit tools required)
• Ensure all OH&S, company policies and legislation is adhered to at all times

Manage internal and external relationships

• Maintain professional communication with internal and external parties to protect and build equity in the IGA brand
• Understand the customer demographics of stores and ensure that customer needs are being met through inventory management activities

What you’ll bring

• Leader with a proven track record in working within complex environments, driving promotional strategies and working within a variety of categories.
• An understanding of the independent retail landscape and relationships, the ability to negotiate with suppliers and experience within category management.
• Proven experience within a similar role where category management forms the basis of the merchandise structure.
• Financial acumen
• Strong communication/presentation skills

What we can offer you

• An extra week of annual leave each year after 12 months of service
• Training and Development
• We’re BIG on flexible working
• Great benefits

Today we’re Australia and New Zealand’s leading independent retail partner and wholesaler in the food, liquor and hardware sectors. And while we may be large, we’ll always be locals at heart.

So, roll up your sleeves and bring your best self to work, and we’ll give you the support you need to develop a rewarding career and make your mark on the future of retail.

                                                             Make your Mark!