State Workforce Planning Manager

At Metcash, you’re part of something bigger. We’ve got the heart of a small business with the strength and support of a big business.

When you join Metcash, your work makes a real difference to independent businesses and local communities, empowering you to:

• Grow your career with tailored development programs
• Thrive your way with flexible work options
• Make your mark in a high-performing, values-led team

About the Opportunity

Are you ready to make a real impact on how we plan and optimise our workforce? In this pivotal role, you’ll partner with our National Workforce Planning & Optimisation Manager, State Logistics Operations, and People & Culture teams to ensure our front-line workforce is set up for success. You’ll lead the development of costed workforce plans, implement consistent processes and systems, and drive strategies that improve productivity, optimise labour costs, and position Metcash as an employer of choice.

You’ll take ownership of workforce planning across our mega DC, introducing standardised forecasting, planning, and reporting methods that give visibility and control over labour performance. Acting as the link between strategy and operations, you’ll turn big-picture plans into actionable guidelines for teams like Recruitment and Training. If you’re passionate about efficiency, consistency, and delivering results, this is your opportunity to shape the future of workforce planning at Metcash.

In this Role

• Develop and lead costed workforce plans at the state level to optimise labour allocation across facilities based on operational demand and availability.
• Identify and mitigate labour risks, including over- or under-supply, by collaborating with stakeholders and implementing proactive solutions.
• Support national strategy deployment for labour attraction, retention, scheduling, and performance management, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Optimise workforce mix between permanent and agency labour to meet seasonal and flexible operational requirements.
• Implement standardised labour planning processes and systems, including forecasting, scheduling, and reporting frameworks for consistent performance.
• Coordinate pilots and process improvements, working with DCs and national teams to trial, refine, and roll out new capabilities.
• Provide data and analytical support using tools like Power BI to monitor workforce performance and enable informed decision-making.
• Maintain data quality standards across workforce planning and related systems to ensure accurate, timely information for planning and compliance.

You’re Likely a Match If

• Demonstrated experience in workforce planning and logistics within high-volume, multi-DC environments
• Proficient in workforce planning, scheduling, and rostering systems
• Skilled in business analysis, process mapping, and continuous improvement
• Strong numerical capability with advanced Excel skills for forecasting and modelling
• Proven project management and change management experience is a plus!
• Highly collaborative, a partnership style across own area and the wider business and is a real 'team player'.
• Excellent internal and external stakeholder management skills.

What’s on offer

We’re proud to offer a workplace that supports your well-being, growth, and belonging:

📚 Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities

🌈 Inclusive Culture: Bronze Employer for LGBTQ Inclusion

⚖️ Neutral Pay Gap: Gender pay gap under 5% (WGEA 2024–2025)

🧠 Mental Health: Gold accreditation by Mental Health Australia

🏡 Flexibility: Flex Ready and Family Friendly Workplace accredited

About Us

Join us and be part of something bigger!

Metcash is Australia’s leading wholesale distribution company, with $19.5 billion in sales (FY25) and a proud spot in the ASX Top 125.

We believe in the power of independent, family-owned businesses to shape vibrant communities. Through our food, liquor, and hardware pillars, we help retailers become the ‘Best Store in Their Town’ by providing merchandising, operational and marketing support.

We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability — and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including First Nations. If you need support during the application process, just let us know. Your privacy and dignity are always respected.