Assistant IBA Category 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

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 community. 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 getting backed by the strength of the Metcash Group. 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

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity to step into an Assistant Category Manager role within IBA, based at our Macquarie Park office (3 days per week). Working closely with an experienced Category Manager, you’ll help deliver shopper-led category programs, lead supplier negotiations, and deliver promotional plans that support independent liquor retailers to win in market. We’re open to candidates with existing Category experience, as well as those currently in sales roles within the liquor industry who are looking to pivot into a category management career, with a strong focus on building effective relationships with suppliers and retailers.

In this Role

• Assist category manager with the development of category strategy by providing data and insights from the market and inputs from supplier meetings.
• Embed category strategy by building programs that are aligned to the strategic priorities of the channel.
• Ensure seamless execution of category programs and plans. 
• Develop and deliver successful retail and promotional activity delivering to retailer margin expectations.     
• Own and manage supplier relationships (for selected suppliers) including the supplier profitability to our network (retail) by channel, mutually aligned and agreed JBP’s.  
• Negotiate with suppliers for the best commercial outcome for Retailers.
• Support the Category Co-ordinators in building the best promotional programs to enable commercial outcomes for Retailers.

You’re Likely a Match If

• Min 2 years FMCG experience and liquor experience highly regarded.
• Previous experience in buying or selling capacity experience
• Exposure to category management
• Experience in negotiating with external parties     
• The ability to identify Shopper and Category trends     
• Demonstrated experience delivering presentations to internal/external stakeholders   

What’s on offer

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

🏖️ Extra Leave: Enjoy a 5th week of annual leave, 2 well-being days, plus 1 volunteer day annually

📚 Career Growth: Endless learning and development opportunities

👶 Parental Leave: 12 weeks of gender-neutral paid leave for primary carers

🌈 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.

#INFLA #LI-NS1